The Steward Demonic Emperor

by Little Merger

Zhuo Yifan was the Demon Emperor. One day, he managed to lay his hands on an ancient emperor’s book, the Nine Serenities Secret Records. As the book was coveted by many, he was targeted by experts and was even betrayed by his student. After his passing, his soul took over another’s body. Brought back to life, in the body of a family servant named Zhuo Fan. Because of the regrets of

2. 33

The Steward Demonic Emperor #Chapter 33, Movements From All Sides - Read The Steward Demonic Emperor Chapter 33, Movements From All Sides Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 33, Movements From All Sides

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The two chairs creaked as they turned slowly, revealing two old men.

One had sandy hair, with big eyes and thin hands that each time his finger tapped the armrest, it echoed out. His eyes flashed golden like a piercing sword, enough to cut one's heart.

The second elder had red hair and took long breaths. Each exhale warped the air as if he breathed fire.

One look was enough for Zhuo Fan to know they were stronger than Long Jiu. One of them even trained the Golden Body to completion while the other cultivated a fire cultivation method to great success.

In the short time Zhuo Fan was exposed to their power, he knew the old men weren't far from the Radiant Stage. In the mortal domain, any who reached this stage was among the few strongest on the continent.

[So this is the power of the Veiled Dragon Pavilion.] Zhuo Fan sighed inside.

The blond elder glanced at Zhuo Fan, "Are you that Zhuo Fan old Jiu couldn't stop praising?"

"Yes!"

"I heard you're a 5th-grade array master."

Zhuo Fan nodded. Before grasping the two's character, he refrained from acting casually, "Junior has a trivial understanding of 5th-grade arrays, but nothing seniors could consider as worth."

"Ha-ha-ha, a 5th-grade array master is a Venerable in the Veiled Dragon Pavilion. And we two are just Elders. Even we have to show you respect." The blond elder let out a friendly laugh, unfitting of his stiff expression.

The red-haired elder's rough voice boomed, "Hey kid, old Jiu said you're quite arrogant, that you can raise an unknown clan above the seven houses in ten years. Listening to you shout bro Jiu sure is arrogant enough. How come you're so shy when facing us two?"

Zhuo Fan smiled, "I have met with bro Jiu many times and got to know his limits. But this is my first time meeting the two of you."

The elders were surprised.

Long Jiu's face twitched and snapped, "Kid, you say you saw through me, is that it? And here I thought you were bossy to anyone you met when in fact you acted like this only around me. You think this old man is all washed up?"

"He-he-he, of course not. I consider bro Jiu my friend, and with how a broad-minded senior you are, you would never lower yourself to my level. If I were to act the same with a one-track minded person, I'd be dead."

Zhuo Fan shook his head and continued, "That is no longer arrogance, but idiocy."

The three smiled inside. The blond and the red-haired elders even showed approval.

[Just as old Jiu said, this kid can see through others while also handling each of them with flawless flattery. His words might irritate old Jiu but as a senior, he won't bicker with a junior.]

"I like this kid, ha-ha-ha..." The red-haired elder laughed, while the blond elder nodded, "If I didn't know you have no intention to join Veiled Dragon Pavilion, I would've insisted on having you join us, ha-ha-ha... "

Zhuo Fan might be cupping his hands with a smile, but a sneer laid in his heart.

In the off chance this glorious and fallen Demonic Emperor couldn't rise again, he would still not join a party that didn't even have a Radiant Stage cultivator. [Quite the opposite, in fact. If you old fogies are stuck in cultivation, this old man will give you pointers.]

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"Oh, you were saying just now that Hell Valley's men are here. Are you certain?"

The blond old man's face turned solemn as they went down to important matters. Long Jiu turned his eye over to him, eager to know.

Zhuo Fan nodded, "Half a month ago, I discovered the Sun clan had two more incredibly strong auras besides Elder Jian. As I was out with work these past days, I hadn't kept an eye on Sun clan and am unclear if more had come."

"Humph, the more the better! I will kill them regardless!" Long Jiu slapped the table as his eye turned bloodthirsty.

"Old Jiu, don't let anger cloud your judgment!" The blond old man frowned and said to Zhuo Fan, "Little brother, how do you know?"

"A cat has its way, and so does a mouse. The less you know, the better." Zhuo Fan shook his head.

The blond old man was doubtful, while Long Jiu was convinced, "Third brother, brother Zhuo's news is reliable. When that bastard Jian Fan came to Windgaze City, our spy network didn't pick it up and we only knew it thanks to brother Zhuo's warning. I can attest to that, as I checked its validity myself."

"Eh?"

The blond elder frowned and said surprised, "Little brother, you're quite amazing. I wonder who your Master is..."

"Overlord Nine Serenities!" Zhuo Fan blurted.

They were stunned.

This name was domineering to the extreme, but when did this continent have such a persona?

Zhuo Fan smiled to himself. In the Sacred Domain, it would hint to the Nine Serenities Emperor's location, but in the mortal domain, no one was the wiser.

After all, the folk here were too far away, enough to keep such ancient rumors from reaching their ears.

"Uh, your Master must be a hidden expert to train brother Zhuo to 5th-grade array master." The blond elder didn't press for more.

"Brother Jiu, do you have a Recovery Pill?" Zhuo Fan popped a question.

Long Jiu nodded as he took out a bottle, "Is someone from Luo clan hurt?"

A Recovery Pill was a 3rd-grade pill, not too expensive and neither too common, valued a hundred thousand spirit stones at the minimum. But since Zhuo Fan wanted it, Long Jiu was bound to acquiesce.

What could this pill be worth when the two were close as bros and there was even a 10 million debt binding them?

Zhuo Fan took the pill then cupped his hands, "Thank you, bro Jiu and elders. I will be going now."

"Damn punk, this was your aim all along." Long Jiu cursed, "You disturbed us for some meager pill, so now you must suffer my punishment."

Zhuo Fan laughed as he dismissed him, "I'll tell you something else then. Hell Valley will attack in two days. Better bump up security."

Then he walked out laughing.

Long Jie and Long Kui saw the immensely pleased Zhuo Fan come out and knew he had a delightful conversation, which only worked to sour the two's hearts.

The fact that a kid like him had more right than them to join a meeting of elders left them annoyed, Long Kui in particular.

The blond elder stroked his beard, keeping Zhuo Fan's figure in his eyes, "Brothers, this kid puts on a smart appearance, while each word he spoke was carefully considered. So young yet so skilled. I can't help but wonder whose disciple he is. Veiled Dragon Pavilion will have to get in touch with his master."

The two nodded.

On the other hand, Zhuo Fan went straight home. Along the way, he even spotted quite a few suspicious individuals prowling around.

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A great fight was about to erupt.

He soon returned to Luo Yunchang.

Thanks to the old man's briefings, Luo Yunchang was now privy to the ups and downs of past events and was beginning to sympathize and relate with them.

Since both of them have suffered at the hands of a common enemy, their alliance became more solid.

Zhuo Fan relaxed seeing this and threw a bottle at the Mountain Lord, "Take this. I hope you'll be up to your peak in no time."

"What's this?" Lei Yuting asked.

"Recovery Pill!"

"What?" Lei Yuting was stunned.

She knew of its value. Even if Blackwind Mountain robbed for a whole year, they'd still be unable to gather the spirit stones to pay for it. Yet he threw such a precious pill just like that.

Was Luo clan that rich?

Seeing through her, Luo Yunchang patted Lei Yuting's hand, "Sister Yuting, be at ease. Veiled Dragon Pavilion owes us 10 million. A 3rd-grade pill is nothing!"

Lei Yuting's shock left her slack-jawed.

No wonder Veiled Dragon Pavilion was protecting them free of charge.

[Wait, was Cloud Manor that wealthy?]

But Zhuo Fan rolled his eyes at Luo Yunchang's radiant smile.

[Women are all the same. They all love to compare...]

Meanwhile, in a dark room of the Sun clan sat four people. Three of them had their faces hidden, though unable to hide the vile energy they gave off, while the fourth was Hell Valley's 8th elder, Condor Jian Fan.

The handsome youth standing before them with a creepy smile was Yang Ming. Also known as You Ming in Hell Valley.

"You Ming," Elder Jian began, "You hid for more than a decade in Blackwind Mountain. You've done well! But this isn't a job for a girl."

"There was an incident, but it was taken care of!" You Ming smiled.

Whoosh!

A black light trailed his face, drawing blood.

You Ming was appalled Elder Jian would strike him.

Staring at him, Elder Jian said unfeelingly, "This secret plan had been going for a decade. If your overconfidence ruins the house's plan, I will make you beg for death."

"Yes!" You Ming bowed as cold sweat formed.

"Leave." Elder Jian waved, "We'll begin three days from now."

You Ming was at the door when he caught Elder Jian's sneer, "No Luo clan member is allowed to live, especially..."

"Zhuo Fan!" You Ming paused after each word.

Nodding, Elder Jian's killing intent surged, "Even if Veiled Dragon Pavilion used him to kill You Quan, his hands are stained with your junior brother's blood. No such person shall live in this world!"

"Yes!"

You Ming gnashed his teeth, his smile bloodthirsty...

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Chapter 34, Battle Approaches

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Zhuo Fan was sitting cross-legged on his bed when he opened his eyes.

He was but a step away from entering the 5th layer of Qi Condensation. But his lack of Yuan Qi blocked his advance.

If he had known, he would've spent more time on Blackwind Mountain to absorb more people's Yuan Qi. But since he was pressed for time, he only let Blood Infant do the killing, wasting good materials in the process.

With the battle knocking at his door, he refrained from letting Blood Infant roam. It would be a huge loss for it to die if Elder Jian bumped into Blood Infant.

Zhuo Fan muttered, "I can only hold it in. It will not be long before they attack!"

Yet, his last word was followed by a terrifying power looming ever closer towards his direction.

He ran out of the house and jumped onto the roof to see a man was already there, floating in the sky, Long Jiu.

He too felt the power approaching closer and closer, as his single eye squinted with the release of killing intent. Despite this place being a hundred meters from Veiled Dragon Pavilion, Zhuo Fan shivered from the intense desire to kill.

"I knew it. They're Profound Heaven experts!"

Even if Zhuo Fan couldn't pinpoint Long Jiu's power, figuring out his stage was easy. Hovering in the sky was all the proof he needed. As for the other two elders, they were even stronger.

Thinking of them, he swept the area, but Zhuo Fan saw no shadow of them. They had to be laying an ambush to trap Jian Fan.

Zhuo Fan sported a wicked grin.

The three elders' plan showed Veiled Dragon Pavilion's decision to fight Hell Valley to the death, regardless of consequences. This left no room for amicable conciliation, while also securing the Luo clan's safety.

"Zhuo Fan, what happened?"

Luo Yunchang with Lei Yuting and the rest came outside. Zhuo Fan guessed Mountain Lord hadn't finished digesting the pill since he didn't come. Zhuo Fan sorely lacked a peak expert.

He yelled, "What are you doing? Get back inside!"

Their little power was nothing to a Profound Heaven expert, unlike Zhuo Fan who relied on the Nine Heavens Coiling Dragon Array.

Luo Yunchang knew the gravity of the situation from Zhuo Fan's tense face. She took her brother and the others to hide in the house while also saying, "Zhuo Fan, be careful!"

Zhuo Fan nodded.

A sudden cawing echoed in their ears and a black cloud floated above Veiled Dragon Pavilion. With a laugh, a black-robed old man walked out of the cloud. The few strands of hair on his head drifted in the wind as his evil eyes narrowed on Long Jiu. But even so, he couldn't help spare the small courtyard a glance.

"Condor Jian Fan, how dare you step into my domain?" Long Jiu's one and only eye was bloodshot. His bone-deep hatred seeped into every word he uttered.

Snickering, Condor Jian Fan laughed, "Long Jiu, Veiled Dragon Pavilion killed Hell Valley's disciple, You Quan. You're saying I can't even come to seek justice?"

"Justice? Since when did Hell Valley know the meaning of the word?"

Long Jiu's breathing grew ragged from the grudge he carried, "Who then plotted against me in Drifting Leaves City? Who then set a trap for me and ruined my Purple Lightning Gold Eye?"

[Purple Lightning Gold Eye?]

Zhuo Fan didn't expect the people in the mortal domain to cultivate such a remarkable ability.

The legend of the Purple Lightning Gold Eye went back to the time of the ten emperors, pertaining to one of the top three emperors, Heavenly Emperor's mystic eye. It released a golden light, divine lightning that could crush Heaven. Even a Saint Stage expert would fall from his gaze.

Yet, this amazing cultivation method appeared in the mortal domain. He was curious as to how in Heavens Long Jiu managed to cultivate it. If it was cultivated to the 6th Heaven, it was a pity to have it ruined.

Even he, the Demonic Emperor, would feel the same hatred as if having his wife stolen or his father killed.

"Ha-ha-ha..."

Jian Fan wasn't the least bit ashamed and laughed instead, "Who is to blame for your idiocy? Relying on your eye, you became a top expert in the Veiled Dragon Pavilion. Without this crutch, you've degenerated to become one of the nine elders, stuck to defend Windgaze City. Oh, the horror."

"Jian Fan!"

Long Jiu's energy blew with his rage and even his eye was on the verge of bleeding, "I will have my revenge!"

Long Jiu charged as a golden dragon coiled around his hand.

"Mid spirit ranked martial art, Soaring Dragon Claw!"

Roar!

The dragon roared and left Long Jiu's arm, bearing its fangs at the enemy.

Jian Fan sneered and simply waved his hand.

A black mist formed chains as it left his sleeve, binding the golden dragon. With a twist of his hand, the golden dragon wailed and shattered to pieces.

"Mid spirit ranked martial art, Hell Chains!"

Jian Fan mocked, "Long Jiu, you were a dragon with your eye before, but you are now a mere bug. The name of Godeye Long Jiu will never rise again..."

Before he could finish, a palm appeared before him and a claw grabbed his wrist.

"Veiled Dragon Claw!"

Jian Fan was unable to escape the vise but he wasn't too worried as he laughed, "Humph, think you can face me with mortal ranked martial arts when even spirit ranked martial arts are useless?"

"He-he-he, I don't need to take your life, just..."

Grinning, Long Jiu threw Jian Fan to the ground! The blond and the red-haired elders jumped from nearby to attack him.

"Not good!"

Jian Fan started panicking.

Only now did he realize Long Jiu's ploy. Long Jiu wanted to trap him with two others, cutting off his escape.

[Long Jiu is set on killing me, but...]

Jian Fan grinned.

"Now!"

The black cloud revealed two men in black as they converged on Long Jiu.

This left Long Jiu and the elders in shock. But thanks to Zhuo Fan's intelligence, they had a contingency in place.

"Old Jiu, hold fast!"

The blond elder moved swiftly towards Jian Fan with the red-haired elder behind him, ignoring Long Jiu's fate.

Long Jiu grinned as a golden light shined on his palm and a dragon-shaped sword appeared, "As long as you kill Jian Fan, I can die in peace."

"3rd-grade spiritual weapon, Dragon Sword?"

The two men in black stopped in their attacks and dodged the incoming sword attack.

Whoosh!

A golden light passed just an inch from them as a thunderclap followed behind it. The light split the sky in half and only after ten breaths did it recover.

The two men in black felt dread while retreating ten steps. They didn't expect Long Jiu to use a treasure to deal with them.

"Good!"

The blond elder shouted in glee. Long Jiu's attack scared the two men. He wrapped himself in golden light and charged at Jian Fan.

Attacked from two sides, Jian Fan was like meat on a chopping board.

"Old Jiu, take a look, see how third brother ends him."

The blond elder laughed as he attacked. Despite not using a martial art, ear-piercing sounds were heard as his hand moved.

Jian Fan began to sweat as his eyes squinted, feeling death breathing down his neck...

Boom!

But then a purple light exploded. It not only blocked the attack but even forced the blond elder to cough blood.

The red-haired elder rushed to check on him while the blond elder ignored his wounds and stared at the rolling smoke.

As for Long Jiu, he was shocked.

When the smoke scattered, it revealed a panting Jian Fan. But this time, he was no longer afraid and even grew rampant having escaped death.

"That was close. Didn't think Veiled Dragon Pavilion would send 5th and 3rd elders after me! Devastating Gold Dragon and World-burning Fire Dragon, your reputation precedes you!"

The two elders were staring, not at Jian Fan, but at the thing on his shoulder...

Soul Devouring Crow!

Zhuo Fan frowned.

He didn't expect for Elder Jian to have such a demonic creature.

The Soul Devouring Crow's body wasn't formidable, but it can devour anything and transfer what it swallowed to its owner. Soul Devouring Crow's power depended on its owner. But one thing was certain, Soul Devouring Crow was among the strong demonic creatures.

Zhuo Fan's eyebrows shook as he looked into the crow's eyes. One was black, while the other was golden and released a purple light. Even faint thunder sounds came out.

"3rd Heaven, Purple Lightning Gold Eye!"

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Chapter 35, Purple Lightning Gold Eye

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"That's... that's my eye!"

With just a look, Long Jiu saw through the secret of crow's eye. He used to move unhindered thanks to that same eye and even earned the name Godeye Long Jiu.

But the godeye was now his enemy's weapon to be used against him.

"I-impossible!" Long Jiu shook his head in denial.

Jian Fan's laughter was unrestrained, "Long Jiu, did you ever think that your precious Purple Lightning Gold Eye will one day be put to use on my demonic creature? If you want to kill me, you'll have to first overcome this eye."

Then he began making hand signs.

The crow flew and purple light glinted in its golden eye, rumbling as it charged at Long Jiu.

"Watch out!"

The blond elder woke Long Jiu out of his stupor in time to defend with his Dragon Sword.

Boom!

Long Jiu was struck down by one purple lightning after another and was blown away coughing blood.

The two elders rushed to Jian Fan in panic. They knew that as long as Jian Fan stopped his hands, the crow would stop moving.

But how could Jian Fan not see such an obvious flaw?

Sneering, he gestured again and caused two explosions, the purple lightning struck the two elders. They bore the brunt as it sent them flying and blood leaked from their mouths.

Zhuo Fan was shocked by how vicious the Purple Lightning Gold Eye was. It was only in 3rd Heaven and it could already outclass a Profound Heaven expert.

As matters stood, Veiled Dragon Pavilion would lose, and the Luo clan would be next.

"No, I cannot let that happen."

Squinting, Zhuo Fan gnashed his teeth and pointed, sending a red light at Jian Fan.

He was taking a huge gamble. If Blood Infant was found out, it would die in a blink from the purple lighting, and him along with it.

But if he stood at the sidelines, the Luo clan would be sure to fall for good.

Zhuo Fan hardened his heart and sent the Blood Infant on the offensive.

Jian Fan was focused on Veiled Dragon Pavilion's three elders and was oblivious to the incoming danger.

"Ha-ha-ha, Purple Lightning Gold Eye is awesome. Not even together are you three fools its match." The crow flew back to Jian Fan's shoulder as he cackled.

The two men in black flew to either side of Jian Fan and grinned.

The three Veiled Dragon Pavilion elders' faces darkened. The enemy looked down on them despite acting together. This was the first time this ever happened.

If they lost here today, Veiled Dragon Pavilion's reputation would be thrown into the mud, all thanks to them.

"Don't think you can win with a damn demonic creature and a stolen eye, Condor." The blond elder's eyes flashed golden and exploded with killing intent.

"Old Jiu, old Wu, stay here. I will take their heads."

While shocked, the red-haired elder saw the determination in his eyes and nodded, as did Long Jiu.

As they were all elders of Veiled Dragon Pavilion, they knew the blond old man's true power.

Once the Devastating Gold Dragon was enraged, he would split the earth and shatter the heavens. During the time when Long Jiu had his eye, there were three people in Veiled Dragon Pavilion he couldn't beat.

st and 2nd elder were the first two, while the last was the enraged 3rd elder.

Whoosh!

A dazzling golden light shined and started covering him with a thick film, like a golden armor. Each time his finger moved, it let out a metallic sound.

Jian Fan's face turned grave, picking up on the threat to his life the old man's change promised.

"Allow me to educate you that the name of Devastating Gold Dragon isn't an empty title."

The blond elder formed claws with his hands, all the while radiating in gold and staring at Jian Fan with a cold gaze. Then he rushed at Jian Fan. In his charge, the elder brought his hands together, just like scissors.

Roar!

A dragon roar echoed in the pitch-black night. Jian Fan saw the blond elder appeared surrounded by the image of a huge dragon.

It unclenched its jaws and followed the blond elder's claws to swallow the three enemies whole.

"High spirit ranked martial art, Devouring Dragon Claw!"

Startled, Jian Fan hastened his hand gestures to control the crow's Purple Lightning Gold Eye.

Boom! And a purple light flashed!

But this time, when the lightning fell on the dragon, it bounced off like a bullet, not even able to slow it down.

Jian Fan panicked, unable to believe that the blond elder would be so strong that he could deflect Purple Lightning Gold Eye's attack. But he did notice how the dragon's golden aura dimmed.

"Hell Chains!"

Jian Fan and his two men moved together. Tens of black chains flew from their arms and fell on the dragon like a dark cloud.

The chains tightened and the dragon body was rendered motionless under their vise, yet the dragon still lingered, wanting to press on the attack.

"You're not Veiled Dragon Pavilion's 3rd elder for nothing, needing all three of us to hold you back."

Jian Fan gave his all in grasping the black chains along with his men. They even began to sweat.

The 3rd elder gnashed his teeth, his lips curling in disdain, "You think the three of you could've held me if not for the Purple Lightning Gold Eye?"

"He-he-he, you're right. We still have the Purple Lightning Gold Eye."

Jian Fan snickered, now that 3rd elder reminded him, he used the hand that held the black chains to make hand signs. With a cawing sound, purple lightning flashed.

The 3rd elder's scalp went numb.

Both sides were in a deadlock. If the purple lighting hit, it would spell heavy wounds, if not death.

"Third brother!"

Long Jiu and the red-haired elder were nervous, rushing to help despite not making it in time.

Seeing 3rd elder's fate sealed under the purple lightning, Jian Fan grinned.

It was at this moment when Zhuo Fan, who was just a hundred feet away, showed a mystifying smile.

"Using this chaos, I'll take your life. I can't have the Veiled Dragon Pavilion lose such an important battle!"

Zhuo Fan's killing intent spiked as his hand moved. The Blood Infant lying in wait just around the corner sprung up from its hiding place, aiming for Jian Fan. With Jian Fan and his two men focused on 3rd elder, they were oblivious to the impending danger.

"He-he-he, die, 3rd elder!"

Jian Fan cackled as the crow's eye spilled purple lightning. But then a sudden flash of red entered his body and felt his breath hampered, dispelling the black chains from his hand.

"Elder Jian, what are you doing?" His two men jumped in fright.

Jian Fan found something burrowing in his body and wanted to expel it but it was too late...

rd elder pressed his advantage and exploded with power.

Roar!

The dragon burst out of the chains and bit down.

The two men's eyes squinted as they fled. But the pitiful Elder Jian was rooted in place thanks to Blood Infant's control. The next instant, an arm flew way up high.

rd elder grabbed it and stood with pride as he laughed at the one-armed Jian Fan and his men.

"Curse you. Veiled Dragon Pavilion went as far as refining demonic creatures to make a sneak attack..."

Jian Fan clenched his teeth as his heart bled with grief. Thinking how a veteran demonic cultivator as himself was hampered by a demonic creature left a bad taste in his mouth. Would he get any respect from others now? What was even worse was that this was done by righteous cultivators.

"Let's go!"

Jian Fan knew he lost the advantage and there was nothing to gain from fighting a losing battle.

Yet Long Jiu wasn't one to let them go.

"After them!"

rd elder's feelings were mutual and shouted while pursuing them.

The Blood Infant returned inside Zhuo Fan without anyone's knowledge. He smiled. [It's best for Hell Valley to put this blame on Veiled Dragon Pavilion. Their hatred isn't light anyway and a bit more won't affect them.]

Zhuo Fan justified his actions.

Just that he couldn't help the Purple Lightning Gold Eye to catch his attention.

"One way or another, I'll have to get it." Zhuo Fan rubbed his chin as his eyes roamed around. Few things caught the Demonic Emperor's eye, and the Celestial Emperor's Purple Lightning Gold Eye happened to be one of them.

"Kill!"

But then, a group of men in black charged into Veiled Dragon Pavilion. They were all Bone Tempering experts.

However, Veiled Dragon Pavilion had a contingency in place and Long Jie led his own team to repel the enemies. Mere moments after the two sides clashed, Long Kui came out to meet them with her own team from the small courtyard.

During the Profound Heaven experts' battle, they remained hidden, waiting for the right moment to strike. They waited for all of Hell Valley's men to charge in so they could kill them all in one go.

Hell Valley acted as if they didn't expect an ambush and retreated with Long Jie and Long Kui hot on their tails.

No sooner did they retreat after the initial 'attack', leaving the Luo clan and the ones in the small courtyard.

"Aren't they baiting?"

Zhuo Fan was calm, having known Hell Valley's plan. He was waiting for the true mastermind to come out.

Soon after, Yang Ming appeared leading Blackwind Mountain bandits.

Zhuo Fan smirked, "Hell Valley had paid a heavy price to have the Lei clan wipe out the Luo clan. I wonder how far are they willing to go?"

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Chapter 36, Lone Sentry

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Bam!

The little courtyard's door was kicked open and Yang Ming and his bandit gang stormed the premises.

"Get the Returning Dragon Palm! And kill the Luo clan!" Yang Ming extended his hand.

Whoosh!

A breeze passed, followed by Zhuo Fan landing from the roof and barring their path, "People, the way is closed off. Please go back, for your own sake."

The bandits stopped in shock. Yang Ming stepped from among them and snickered, "Are you from the Luo clan?"

Zhuo Fan nodded, "I am Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan."

"Zhuo Fan?" Yang Ming exposed a savage grin, "Here I was wondering where to look for you and yet you were kind enough to jump right in my path."

"Whoever brings me his head will get a reward." Yang Ming shouted to the bandits around him.

"Oh!"

Under Yang Ming's enticing offer, the bandits shot for Zhuo Fan like cannonballs.

Zhuo Fan sneered inside, [What could 2nd layer Qi Condensation cultivators possibly do?]

In but a breath, Zhuo Fan's hand moved like a shadow, touching the head of the first victim that dared to step close and sending out black energy through the use of Demon Transformation Art.

Under the shocked gaze of the rest, the victim turned to dust and was swept away by the wind.

Even Yang Ming was scared, never seeing such a ruthless killing method despite his stay in the Hell Valley which was filled with its fair share of demonic cultivating monsters. If he was scared, the bandits were horrified.

Despite Zhuo Fan having killed a weakling, how he did it drew a far greater reaction out of them.

"T-that's the best demonic method!"

Yang Ming's eyes flickered on and off, gone was his disdain for Zhuo Fan, now replaced by endless caution, "Who the hell are you? There's no way the Luo clan could have someone like you."

With a sinister smile, Zhuo Fan pretended to caress an imaginary beard while speaking in an aged voice, "Little brother, did you forget? This old man is but a swindler."

"It's you!"

Yang Ming realized he was the old guy accompanying Lei Yuting before. Since he was here, that meant...

Killing Intent flashed as Yang Ming spoke, "Where are they?"

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "Are you dumb or what? Since I'm here, of course they're here with me."

Yang Ming's heart tightened. If the old man and Lei Yuting came out, his control over the Blackwind Mountain bandits would crumble.

"I should've killed you two from the start." Yang Ming's Yuan Qi exploded. His Bone Tempering power caused the bandits to flinch back three steps.

Zhuo Fan only shook his head, "You wouldn't have attacked, not until you saw Xiao Cui. For you to have hidden for so long in the Blackwind Mountain shows your careful nature, unable to accept the smallest mistake. Until you knew for certain Xiao Cui's location, you'd never kill her master."

Yang Ming's heart was in upheaval.

Never for the likes of him could he imagine a stranger had such a piercing analysis of him, that could see through his every move. He was far more cunning than even the old men in the Hell Valley.

He had to die.

As Zhuo Fan words landed, the bandits began to doubt.

Yang Ming couldn't drag this any longer, for fear of exposing himself for good and ruining the house's plan. He chose to attack Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan's demonic method left him in shock, but as Zhuo Fan was but a 4th layer Qi Condensation cultivator, he could kill him in one blow.

Zhuo Fan was taken aback by Yang Ming's sudden attack and retreated, "Have you no dignity? How can a Bone Tempering cultivator use all his power against a Qi Condensation cultivator?"

Yang Ming cackled, "You think I'm as dumb as You Quan to be caught off guard by you?"

His finger extended and lightning blossomed, the same move used by the Lei clan, Lightning Finger.

For early Bone Tempering Yang Ming to use a spirit ranked martial art on Zhuo Fan showed the desperation he had in wishing to kill him.

And yet, despite his opponent's fierce momentum, Zhuo Fan stopped and spread his arms as he welcomed Yang Ming with a mystifying smile.

Yang Ming was unnerved, but not enough to curb his attack.

Zhuo Fan then curled a finger and a yellow light encased him.

Yang Ming collided with the light and bounced off while coughing blood.

"What is that?"

Yang Ming was dumbstruck in the face of such a light. He only felt as if Zhuo Fan's finger held the power to send him flying.

How did he do it?

[Wasn't he just a Qi Condensation punk? Didn't You Quan give him a heavy wound? How is he so strong?]

Zhuo Fan chuckled at Yang Ming's puzzlement as his hand moved, "You're a bit stronger than You Quan, but still trash. The only fate of trash... is death!"

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed with killing intent.

A golden dragon burst out of the ground and swooped down on Yang Ming. Its majestic power brought everyone else to their knees.

Yang Ming felt fear and wanted to curse.

[Blast it, the house lied to me!]

[Didn't they say this punk can only sneak attack? How does he have this much power? If that dragon attacks, not even my bones will remain.]

[Only a Profound Heaven expert has such power!]

The Blackwind Mountain bandits were terrified. Didn't Hell Valley bait all the experts? Why was one still here? [No one from the seven houses is trustworthy.]

"Stop!"

Just when the golden dragon was poised to strike, a shout came. The bandits knew it belonged to their Young miss and hope rose within them.

Zhuo Fan snorted.

Yet the next moment tens of black chains descended from the black cloud above. They not only tied the dragon up but also crushed it.

Zhuo Fan looked with contracted pupils.

The black cloud was the same one the three elders from the Hell Valley relied on before.

"There was another one?" Frowning, Zhuo Fan knew the black cloud hid another elder.

"He-he-he..."

A man descended from the black clouds and landed in front of Yang Ming. Lei Yuting also arrived next to Zhuo Fan and glared, "Didn't I tell you to stop?"

"Anyone who stands in my way is my enemy. Why should I listen to you?" Zhuo Fan didn't look at her, only staring at the newcomer.

Lei Yuting snorted.

"Sigh, that old Jian Fan told me to watch over the Blackwind Mountain bandits. I thought it was a waste of time and did not take it seriously." The man waved, "You Ming, leave!"

"No, Elder Yun. I want to get Zhuo Fan's head myself, for junior brother You Quan's revenge." You Ming glared at Zhuo Fan.

Bam!

The man gave him an unexpected slap, sending him flying.

"You think you can?"

The man sneered, "You can't even match his skill, so go back to Hell Valley! This doesn't concern you anymore."

"Elder Yun..."

You Ming was distracted seeing the unfeeling gaze in the man's eyes. He never saw Elder Yun like this. You Ming was among the best in Hell Valley and no elder ever looked at him with such cold eyes.

"W-why?"

The man snorted, "Despite your scheming heart, I used to see you as a man of talent, worthy of raising. But now that I met this youngster, I realized you are nothing more than an insect."

The man then turned to Zhuo Fan with a smile, "Child, you have one chance, join Hell Valley and all our differences shall be made void. Or..."

Whoosh!

He swiped and a black chain tightened tens of Blackwind Mountain bandits. He pulled a bit and all that was left were pieces of flesh.

"Or follow in their footsteps."

Shock spread to those still alive to see this and Lei Yuting glared in rage at him.

Rubbing his chin, Zhuo Fan smiled, "Wasn't Hell Valley using Blackwind Mountain to save its reputation. Why kill them?"

"With how smart you are, I'm sure you can figure it out." The man snickered, "Since our plan is out in the open, I would rather avoid raising doubts in them by killing all now."

"Them? Who's that?" Zhuo Fan frowned.

The man shook his head, "You will know once you join us."

Zhuo Fan only laughed, "To me, Hell Valley is the same as he is to you, a mere insect."

He pointed at You Ming with a taunt.

The man's ire grew, "Kid, don't you fear death?"

Zhuo Fan snickered, "Can you deliver it?"

The man jumped and hacked his palm in rage at Zhuo Fan, "Die!"

Zhuo Fan made a gesture and a yellow light blocked the attack.

You Ming saw them clash with jealousy and hatred. He was considered outstanding and was sent on an important mission to Blackwind Mountain. But Zhuo Fan's sudden appearance ruined everything.

It even caused the elder to abandon him.

"Zhuo Fan, you'll see." You Ming wiped the blood from his mouth and fled.

Lei Yuting chased at once and the two were gone moments later.

Zhuo Fan, on the other hand, faced the man with the help of the array. Seeing her go, he sighed, "Foolish girl!" And he sent Blood Infant to follow them in secret...

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Chapter 37, Fighting a Profound Heaven Cultivator

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Editor: Silavin

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The man struck three times and Zhuo Fan countered with a hand sign, which erected yellow light. After twenty-odd hits, the man floated in the air and sneered, "You're really something to be able to control the 3rd-grade Coiling Dragon Array at such a young age. It's most unfortunate you met me."

He then rushed towards Zhuo Fan again as the latter formed a golden dome of light to stop him. Having foreseen this, the man gathered 20% more power in his palm before striking.

The dome crumbled under the devastating blow and he continued to speed towards Zhuo Fan, "Humph, the power of Profound Heaven isn't something a Qi Condensation kid can even begin to imagine."

Zhuo Fan smiled and muttered, "A 5th-grade array isn't something a novice can comprehend either."

With a snort, Zhuo Fan's hand signs took a sudden change.

"1st Heaven!"

Roar!

A golden dragon erupted from the ground and moved to attack Elder Yun.

With disdain plainly seen on his face, Elder Yun waved tens of black chains around the dragon and crushed it.

Just as the dragon dissipated, Zhuo Fan's gesture changed again.

"2nd Heaven!"

Roar! Roar!

Two golden dragons charged this time.

Shocked, the man never saw this array forming two dragon images. This exceeded his understanding of the Coiling Dragon Array.

But it wasn't something out of his control. Both of his arms moved and the dragons were crushed under black chains.

Even before the man could take a breather, Zhuo Fan shouted two times.

"3rd Heaven!"

Three dragons took to the skies!

"4th Heaven." And the fourth dragon appeared.

"5th Heaven, 6th Heaven..., 9th Heaven." A total of nine golden dragons roamed the skies as their fearsome roars echoed everywhere.

Every great clan in the city burrowed deeper into their homes, without daring to make a peep. This battle was by far the most horrifying one in their lives.

The man was gasping for breath and looked appalled at the majestic scene. Never in his wildest dream could he ever conceive that a Qi Condensation child was able to control such an imposing array.

"This isn't the Coiling Dragon Array!" The man saw the nine golden dragons setting their vicious sights on their enemy, him.

Zhuo Fan gave a cruel grin, "This is the 5th-grade array, Nine Heavens Coiling Dragon Array. Try it, if you have the nerve."

After a deep look at Zhuo Fan, the man cackled, "How amusing. To think a kid can control a 5th-grade array! I am more and more intrigued."

"For the last time, will you join Hell Valley?" The man's fervent look was akin to gazing upon a priceless treasure.

But he only received disdain, "I've never once considered joining a run-down place like yours!"

"Since you chose to keep that road shut, the only path left is to your death."

The man flew like the wind, with all his killing intent focused on Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan was but a teenager, but the ruthless and calculative mind coupled with his preeminent talent left the man with dread for the future.

It was best to avoid any future mishaps and kill him on the spot.

Zhuo Fan was clear of Elder Yun's intention and with a hand sign from him, he sent the nine dragons to attack the Elder.

Nine dragon tails charged.

An ear-piercing sound came and the man had to come face to face with the awe-inspiring power of nine dragon tails, stopping him dead in his tracks.

His only choice was to unleash his black chains, hoping their power was enough.

Rumble!

Under the shaking sky and spinning ground, the man's chains and the dragon tails clashed. It resulted in him being sent flying.

He flew fifty meters before landing, puking blood the first instance his body made contact with the ground.

Zhuo Fan mocked, "How did you become an elder with just this much strength? How did Hell Valley even wiggle its way among the Seven Noble Houses?"

The man was about to spout obscenities.

Who'd imagine this day would come when a Qi Condensation child would toy with him. Once word got out, he'd be the butt of the empire's joke!

Even if he returned to the valley, the Valley Lord wouldn't let him off with just a tongue lashing.

"Kid, even if you go down on your knees and beg, I will still kill you."

His eyes bloodshot, a golden ring appeared on the man's hand exuding a dreadful aura.

"Demonic treasure?"

Zhuo Fan started to get serious.

A demonic treasure was a demonic cultivator's weapon, just as how a spiritual weapon was to a righteous cultivator. With it, the man's power would multiply.

"Hell Valley's elder, have you no shame? To use a demonic treasure against a Qi Condensation junior?" Zhuo Fan mocked.

But Elder Yun replied with a savage grin, "He-he-he, who will be able to tell when everyone's dead?"

Zhuo Fan was anxious now.

He wanted to provoke Elder Yun just so he could avoid this situation. But when up against a demonic cultivator, they would stoop to any low. Then again, if it were him, he'd come to the same decision as well.

If a righteous cultivator gave up his life for honor, fought for justice and yet still died gruesomely, a demonic cultivator would only take that man for a fool.

This was why no demonic cultivator would ever wish to battle with another demonic cultivator. They were ruthless, scheming and sinister characters and the only outcome of fighting them was one victor and one loser with no in-between, particularly in the shameless one's case.

"He-he-he, die, kid!"

The man attacked again and Zhuo Fan sent the nine dragon tails to fend him off.

But this time, the ring flashed silver light and increased the man's speed, cutting through the tails like a silver saber.

"So fast!"

Zhuo Fan sucked a cold breath. He knew the man's newfound power was all because of the ring.

The silver light then flashed in front of him, followed by the man's vicious grin, "Kid, there's nowhere left for you to run."

Zhuo Fan clenched his teeth seeing the ring's saw blade edge. The silver light seemed to cut even the air.

"3rd-grade demonic treasure?" Zhuo Fan smiled.

"Good eye." The man nodded, "You're the first Qi Condensation with the honor of dying from this 3rd-grade demonic treasure, Savage Moon."

"Wait." Zhuo Fan waved frantically, "If I join Hell Valley now..."

"Too late!" The man laughed as Savage Moon approached Zhuo Fan.

Zhuo Fan didn't want to die, he just got reincarnated. But all he could do was sigh and close his eyes.

Boom!

A sudden thunderclap reached his ears and Zhuo Fan could still feel that he was alive. Opening his eyes, he saw a tall old man in front with blood trickling down his arm.

The old man was facing Elder Yun, who's Savage Moon's blade was stained in fresh blood.

"Who are you?" Elder Yun asked.

"Blackwind Mountain's Lei Yuntian!" As the old man shouted, lightning flashed all over him, "Any that dares to mess with the Luo clan are my enemies."

Zhuo Fan now knew the old man was, in fact, the Mountain Lord of Blackwind Mountain. Before, he was but a bedridden patient and now was back to his health.

"You've recovered?" Zhuo Fan was overjoyed.

Smiling, Lei Yuntian expressed his thanks, "Thanks to Steward Zhuo's kindness, I've not only recovered but also entered the Profound Heaven Stage."

Zhuo Fan was in glee. That was exactly what he needed right now.

"Humph, what can a Qi Condensation kid and a fresh Profound Heaven geezer do? You'll all die just the same under my Savage Moon's blade!"

He lifted the bloody Savage Moon.

"Don't be so sure." Chuckling, Zhuo Fan made a sign and nine golden dragons soared, "Old man Lei, please hear me out. This time we'll be taking this geezer's life."

Lei Yuntian saw the confidence in Zhuo Fan's eyes and nodded. While their enemy seemed to have heard the biggest joke in his life.

"Ha-ha-ha, I've broken through your array once, kid. This Profound Heaven old man's cultivation is still unstable, not enough to take my life!"

Smirking, Zhuo Fan muttered, "When I use someone, I never take any rules into consideration. This is our best chance, old man Lei. Attack!"

"Good!"

Since Zhuo Fan saved his life once, Lei Yuntian had faith in him. He knew the enemy was stronger than him but still chose to face him.

"Lightning Finger!"

Elder Yun sneered and sent black chains. Even if Lei Yuntian did not die from this attack, he'd still be sporting heavy wounds.

However, the nine golden dragons charged into battle as well.

Elder Yun had no choice but to soar up and use the silver light from his weapon to cut the dragons in two. The dragons were unable to stop his assault as he inched closer to Zhuo Fan.

"It's best I kill you first."

Elder Yun's speed left Zhuo Fan without time to make a hand sign, but Lei Yuntian appeared with his Lightning Finger aimed at the Elder's throat.

"You're asking for it!" The man had to shift Savage Moon's target from Zhuo Fan to the Lei Yuntian. Lei Yuntian showed a gratified smile, still willing to attack Elder Yun. For Lei Yuntian, even if Zhuo Fan had intended to send him to his death, he'd be willing.

Dying for the Luo clan's sake was a good death to him.

Yet something happened just when Savage Moon was nearing the old man's chest.

Thanks to the old man's distraction, Zhuo Fan finished his hand signs and bit his tongue, spitting blood essence, "Humph, have a taste of Nine Heavens Coiling Dragon Array's real power!"

The nine cut dragons turned into golden dots and rushed to Zhuo Fan. A glorious and ancient roar was released, followed by a huge dragon far greater than all the previous nine dragons combined.

This new dragon immediately rushed towards Elder Yun.

The man's eyes narrowed as his heart shook, but it was already too late.

The new dragon's speed was even greater than Savage Moon's. He couldn't even poise Savage Moon to defend and the dragon crashed into him, carrying him off into the sky.

"How can... a Qi Condensation brat..."

Following his final wail, the dragon held the man in its jaws and exploded...

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Chapter 38, Scary Zhuo Fan

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Boom!

A grand explosion rumbled the skies above the small courtyard as the dragon ignited the heavens in a flash of gold. The shockwave even put pressure on the building, despite being so far, while other houses crumbled in the aftermath.

Deafening noise from the explosion attacked people's ears even as they covered them up and laid trembling on the ground. This sound attack lasted for a full minute.

But nothing could erase that dreadful image from their hearts, nothing...

A hundred miles out, two men in black fought as they fled from Long Jiu's group.

"Where is that bastard Jian Fan?" Long Jiu's anger spiked when he caught no sight of his mortal enemy, "Son of a-, that old dog must've left these two to stall us."

"Forget it." 3rd elder glared with killing intent, "Let's finish off these two first!"

Under the three elder's united assault, the two men in black were sweating bullets, having no choice but to fight.

Then, a dreadful noise came from Veiled Dragon Pavilion's direction, followed by a golden light that lit up the whole sky. The five people stopped their attack and stood in shock.

"What was that? Did another expert appear?" 3rd elder felt his ears rumbling and sucked in a cold breath, "But... which expert could've unleashed such a move?"

"Retreat!"

With no time to waste, 3rd elder shouted as he flew back to Veiled Dragon Pavilion. He was far more worried about its wellbeing than the death of these two Hell Valley elders.

Though Long Jiu was unwilling, he followed the 3rd elder with a sigh.

Seeing the three Veiled Dragon Pavilion elders retreat, the two men in black let out a sigh of relief, yet were still puzzled by how the events turned out.

They knew an elder was there to make sure the plan didn't go south. But even that elder wasn't powerful enough for this kind of feat. Plus, a bunch of Qi Condensation insects didn't garner such a heavy hand either.

The answer was quite simple in this case, another expert much stronger than Elder Yun showed up.

Hearts heavy with worry, the two discarded any plans of going there to assist Elder Yun. They feared that the Veiled Dragon Pavilion's three elders might set a trap. So, they took the only viable choice, retreat.

[Elder Yun, you're on your own...]

At the small courtyard, Lei Yuntian watched the night sky slack-jawed. He thought Zhuo Fan wanted him to bait Elder Yun and leave him open for a sneak attack.

He went with it despite knowing he was a dead man. As long as Luo clan survived, it was worth dying for. But Zhuo Fan defied his imagination. He still acted as bait but did not pay the ultimate price. While the enemy was caught unaware, the lad sprung up with a devastating blow that took Elder Yun's life, leaving no remains.

Recalling the sky-blazing aftermath, Lei Yuntian shuddered. Not only was he surprised, but also shocked.

[A Hell Valley's elder, a Profound Heaven expert, died in one move!]

[This kid is terrifying...]

"Old man Lei!"

Zhuo Fan caught his breath and stood up weakly. Lei Yuntian heard him and rushed over to hear his instructions. His faith in the kid had once again strengthened.

This was no longer just gratitude for having saved him or faith in a youth's potential, but the respect for the strong, "Steward Zhuo, if there's anything you want done, just tell me."

Zhuo Fan nodded, "Old man Lei, I'll leave Luo clan in your care while I go bring Young miss Lei back."

"No worries, they'll have to pass over my dead body before they can harm a hair of Yunhai and Yunchang." Lei Yuntian nodded with resolve.

Zhuo Fan showed a relieved smile and went after Lei Yuting.

Hell Valley had left only one elder here and he too was dead now. Seeing how no other enemy popped up while fighting, Zhuo Fan was certain Hell Valley only sent four men in total, including the ones Veiled Dragon Pavilion's elders were chasing.

Under a Profound Heaven expert's careful watch, the Luo clan siblings' safety was guaranteed. So he could devote all his attention to saving that foolish girl. To be on the safe side, he picked up the Savage Moon first.

[A 3rd-grade demonic treasure shouldn't be wasted.]

Yang Ming ran like mad while clutching his chest in the gloomy forest. He was injured from the smack he got from Zhuo Fan's array, but Elder Yun's slap made it worse. His mind was clouded and breath ragged.

As for the dreadful explosion before, he didn't have the time to waste on it. But he was shocked nonetheless, finding it inconceivable for Elder Yun and Zhuo Fan's fight to escalate to such degree.

"Stop!"

A clear and angry shout came from behind, freezing Yang Ming in place. He turned to see Lei Yuting watching him with complex emotions.

Making sure she was alone and double-checking Zhuo Fan wasn't there, Yang Ming relaxed and showed a wicked grin, "Junior sister, you want to stop me all by yourself?"

Frowning, Lei Yuting's eyes turned misty, "For my godfather, I will help him get rid of such a traitorous disciple."

"Ha-ha-ha, traitorous disciple? I was never one of you in the first place." Yang Ming mocked her, "Moreover, do you think you can kill me with your strength?"

"Even if we are to die together, at least I can repay godfather's kindness for raising me." Lei Yuting's eyes glittered with tears as she stared at him right in the eye, "I just want to know, did you ever love me?"

Black demonic energy drifted from Yang Ming's hand as he sneered, "I am a genius disciple of Hell Valley. If I am ever to marry, I would choose from among the seven houses. How can I be tied down with the likes of you?"

Tears fell unabated but Lei Yuting hardened her determination, "Then from now on, we are through."

Lei Yuting followed her last word with lightning flickering between her fingers. Yang Ming laughed, hardly afraid, and fought back with the black-colored hand.

In the clash between the freezing palm and the flickering lightning, sparks flew.

However, Yang Ming dodged Lightning Finger at the last second and struck down Lei Yuting with no remorse.

Lei Yuting saw his evil grin and came to terms with the outcome, closing her eyes for death to take her.

It was then that a flash of red struck Yang Ming's black palm.

Bam!

Yang Ming was sent flying and coughed blood in midair.

An infant's cry came from the red light as it flew into a bush.

Waking from her stupor, Lei Yuting saw Yang Ming heavily wounded on the ground and the weakened red light among the bushes.

She knew it was Zhuo Fan's Blood Infant.

She stood there in a daze, muttering as she glanced at Blood Infant, "Was it you who saved me?"

The Blood Infant tried to fly again, only to collapse.

She did not know of the inseparable bond between Zhuo Fan and the Blood Infant, however, she knew it was something he treasured. But even so, to think that Zhuo Fan would send his treasure to save her.

Lei Yuting began to feel warm inside. When she turned her focus to Yang Ming, only killing intent remained in her eyes.

Walking over, Lei Yuting's fingers crackled with lightning.

Yang Ming was panicking, wanting to flee but hardly had the energy to get up.

"Sister Yuting, have mercy. Remember how close we were? Remember how we used to laugh?" Yang Ming shrank backwards while begging.

"Now I want to kill you even more!"

Snorting, her fingers struck without hesitation.

"W-wait, spare me..." Yang Ming wailed, but there was no one to hear his cry.

Bam!

When Lei Yuting's attack was about to land, a tremendous power blew her away.

A bald elderly landed next to Yang Ming.

"Elder Jian!" Yang Ming cried out. He took Elder Jian as his savior, having pulled him out of the jaws of death. Never had he been so thrilled to meet an elder from his house.

Throwing a side glance at the wounded kid, he bellowed, "How did you fall so low? What about the plan?"

Yang Ming's face fell and shook his head, "Unclear."

Elder Jian wanted to kick this worthless thing away, [You are the one most knowledgeable about this plan and yet you come to me saying it's unclear?]

[The house's expense was heavy in this decade long plan, and this is your answer?]

If Elder Jian didn't need to hear the kid's report, he would've killed him right then and there.

"Forget it, we'll speak of it when we return." Sighing, Elder Jian's eyes turned to the stunned Lei Yuting, "After we get rid of this girl."

He then jumped at her with a palm strike.

Coming face to face with a Profound Heaven expert for the first time, Lei Yuting was frozen in fear. Under such power, she couldn't even defend.

"Is this the power of the Profound Heaven Stage?"

Lei Yuting paled, rooted to her spot as she waited for the palm to take her life.

Whoosh!

A sudden silver flash cowered Elder Jian into retreating before the hit landed. A figure made itself notice as it walked next to Lei Yuting, striking a sinister grin, "Do all elders from Hell Valley like to pick on juniors?"

"Zhuo Fan!"

Lei Yuting cried in joy as her heart found peace.

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Chapter 39, Killing Another Profound Heaven Cultivator

"You again." Elder Jian squinted his eyes at the Savage Moon in shock, "Why do you have that demonic treasure? What happened to Elder Yun?"

Grinning, Zhuo Fan pointed Savage Moon at Elder Jian, "Oh, you recognize it."

Jian Fan's mind was in chaos, "Don't tell me... how can that old guy die at the hands of a pup? But..."

The more he looked at the demonic treasure, the more Jian Fan felt shock, hatred, and above all, confusion...

Be that as it may, but no Hell Valley's demonic treasure was allowed to fall into an outsider's hand. Elder Jian then saw the naked killing intent in Zhuo Fan's eyes.

Aware of the other's intention, Zhuo Fan snickered as he sent a whisper to Lei Yuting, "Listen, aim for the old man's heart and close your eyes as you attack with Lightning Finger. Ignore everything else!"

She turned to him in shock, [How can I hit him if I close my eyes? We won't win against a Profound Heaven cultivator regardless!]

But she soon recalled Zhuo Fan's unscrupulous character and understood his intention. The only reason he saved her was to use her as a live bait to throw into the jaws of death.

Lei Yuting nodded despondently. She was already prepared to die when she made the decision to come here.

Zhuo Fan curled his finger, making Blood Infant return to his body unnoticed as he shouted, "Now!"

Zhuo Fan went first and Lei Yuting followed his plan by closing her eyes and using Lightning Finger.

Startled, Elder Jian didn't expect them to move first. But he didn't mind as a Profound Heaven cultivator's defense wasn't something a Qi Condensation cultivator could pierce. The only danger to his life was posed by that Savage Moon. As such, Zhuo Fan had his complete focus.

Lei Yuting charged the lightning with her eyes closed, ignoring everything, while Zhuo Fan flitted left and right.

Elder Jian sneered, turning a blind eye to the girl.

When she was near Elder Jian, Zhuo Fan flashed in front of her and attacked with Savage Moon.

It was a simple thing for Jian Fan to grab Zhuo Fan's hand and snap it in two.

"Humph, don't think a petty diversion is enough to trick my eyes. I've lived far longer than you. Smoke and mirrors won't work on me." Jian Fan sneered.

"Yet... it still has!" Zhuo Fan's smile remained.

Suddenly, Elder Jian's heart was filled with unease.

Before he could make clear as to why, a red light flew from Zhuo Fan into his body.

From Zhuo Fan's broken arm, blood spurted out like a stream and dyed the trees red.

Jian Fan watched Zhuo Fan with rage, "It... was you back then?"

He now knew what had entered his body not too long ago and allowed the three elders from Veiled Dragon Pavilion to use that chance and tear one of his arms.

Zhuo Fan grinned.

"You're brave, I'll give you that, to rob me of my arm!" Jian Fan gnashed his teeth, "Once I get out of your demonic creature's control, I'll tear you to pieces."

Elder Jian focused all his Yuan Qi into his body while talking.

Zhuo Fan smiled, despite sensing the increasing pressure on Blood Infant, "Elder Jian, you've been tricked yet again."

Lightning crackled as Lei Yuting's fingers came from behind Zhuo Fan and struck Jian Fan's chest.

Watching Zhuo Fan's eerie smile with doubt, Elder Jian's eyes bulged out from grievance and unwillingness to die like this.

"Elder Jian, you were wrong. I was the distraction." Zhuo Fan smiled despite the blood leaking from his mouth, "You only paid attention to Savage Moon, but you forgot your wounded state. Weakened as you are now, you no longer have the same amount of Yuan Qi as before, ha-ha-ha..."

The fear in Elder Jian's eyes grew thick.

[Such a cunning and vicious youth... ]

"How horrifying..."

This was how the expert Jian Fan breathed his last breath.

Zhuo Fan used himself as bait while leaving the final blow to Lei Yuting. Each step was filled with perils. The slightest mistake, the slightest hesitation would've meant death.

Yet when Zhuo Fan was involved, everything they did was as if they were dancing to his tune, resulting in Elder Jian's ultimate demise. It was especially so when Zhuo Fan blocked Elder Jian from noticing the real danger hiding behind him, Lei Yuting's Lightning Fingers.

Two Qi Condensation juniors killing a Profound Heaven expert! If anyone spoke of this, none would believe it.

Plop!

Zhuo Fan collapsed in his own blood.

Lei Yuting was crying in despair when she saw this. She thought Zhuo Fan wanted her to act as bait, but it exceeded her expectations when he took the most dangerous role onto himself.

All kinds of emotions swept her heart, pain, warmth and even something Yang Ming never managed to stir.

"Zhuo Fan, forgive me." Lei Yuting kneeled at his side, watching his pale face.

Zhuo Fan waved, "This isn't your fault. When Blood Infant was wounded, I also suffered internal injuries."

He recalled Blood Infant from Elder Jian's corpse, "This time, it'll take a lot more time to heal."

His wounds mattered little when compared to Blood Infant's, which represented his life.

This only worked to increase Lei Yuting's flow of tears. She now knew that the demonic creature wasn't a treasure, but something bound to his life.

Yet even in such a perilous state, he chose to take a life-threatening hit for her.

She began to see Zhuo Fan with different eyes, but Zhuo Fan himself couldn't care less.

Zhuo Fan pointed at Jian Fan, "Search him. A Hell Valley elder has to have valuable things on him."

"Alright."

Lei Yuting used her highly dexterous hands to complete this task with such skill that Zhuo Fan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, [A bandit sure is skilled.]

Once Jian Fan was picked clean, Lei Yuting returned to Zhuo Fan. In her entire life, this was the first time she ever lowered her head in shame from doing something so unbecoming of her. But he couldn't care less about the reason why she was hiding her face.

As she strewed the things before Zhuo Fan, she kept avoiding his eyes.

Zhuo Fan found it odd but didn't care and started to rummage through Elder Jian's stuff.

The first and foremost thing that caught his eye was the storage ring and soon found what he was looking for inside.

A light flashed and two jade slips appeared in his hand, Lei clan's spiritual ranked martial art, Lightning Finger, and Cai clan's martial art, Wind Kick!

He was clueless as to the secret involving the three clans' martial arts but did not hesitate in taking them into his own ring.

What was left were some cultivation methods, martial arts and spirit stones. Zhuo Fan, as a former Demonic Emperor, couldn't care less about those and threw the ring to Lei Yuting.

"According to bandit's rule, half belongs to you."

Lei Yuting shook her head, "The old man was your kill. They are yours."

"I don't want them, he has nothing of value!" Zhuo Fan smiled and turned his eyes to a bag.

It was only as big as a palm but Zhuo Fan knew of its remarkable quality. It was a bag that could store living creatures. And what laid within was none other than the Soul Devouring Crow.

Stashing it in his chest, Zhuo Fan smiled pleasantly. It held the largest interest to him. Who knew, he might even discover the secret of the Purple Lightning Gold Eye.

"Zhuo Fan, at least take the ring."

Lei Yuting was shocked at the ring's contents and still decided to give it to Zhuo Fan, "I know Luo clan is wealthy, but there are some spirit ranked martial arts and cultivation methods inside which are of far greater value than mere spirit stones. It will provide great help in restoring your clan."

Zhuo Fan shrugged as he weighed the ring, "Such trashy things I have in heaps. There's nothing rare or great about them. If you don't want it, I'll just throw it."

He was about to do just that when Lei Yuting took the ring from his hand, "How can you be such a wastrel, to not even want spirit ranked martial arts? How did you manage to become a steward anyway? With how you act, Luo clan's money will get flushed down the drain."

Zhuo Fan smiled as he put Jian Fan's corpse into his ring, "Time to head back. Veiled Dragon Pavilion has some explaining to do."

Lei Yuting nodded and rushed to support him. As Zhuo Fan was far too weakened, he could only lean onto her shoulder, tinting her cheeks red in the process.

"Wait!"

Zhuo Fan stopped to look around, "Where's Yang Ming?"

Lei Yuting looked everywhere but there was no sight of Yang Ming.

They forgot about him in the heat of the battle.

"Curses, he got away." Lei Yuting gnashed her teeth.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "No need to bother with an insect."

But then he recalled his disciple, Zhao Chen, and killing intent flashed in his eyes, "But even insects can spell trouble. The next time I see him, he's dead!

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Chapter 40, Shock

The sun's warm rays shone from the East as Long Jie and Long Kui led hundreds of Veiled Dragon Pavilion guards back to the branch. Even tiredness couldn't hide the prideful air they carried themselves with.

Not only did they win the battle with Hell Valley, but did it spectacularly.

Long Jiu, with 3rd and 5th elder, stood at the gates watching their return with negligible casualties.

"Uncles!"

Long Jie and Long Kui bowed with a smile.

The three elders were pleased, "Little Kui, Ah Jie, how was your fight?"

Long Kui was the first to report, "As the uncles predicted, after you chased the elders from Hell Valley, a large force came to attack us only to be defeated by us. Barely a scant few Bone Tempering cultivators escaped."

"Well done!"

Long Jiu shouted his approval, "Your improvement has been great lately. Magnificent for you to not only lead your own team but to also wipe out the enemy."

"Third brother, when you return to the estate, make sure to report the two's merit to Pavilion Lord. Ha-ha-ha..." Long Jiu's laughter shook the air as if he was relieved of the past years' pressure.

rd elder stroked his beard with a smile. This huge merit the two achieved for Veiled Dragon Pavilion was the first in their lives.

Such accomplishment was always followed by a sense of honor and pride.

"Oh, right."

rd elder furrowed his brow, "Do you know what was the cause of that tremendous explosion last night?"

Long Jie and Long Kui were also puzzled.

"That sound shook the world and I thought it was from 3rd elder's fight with Hell Valley's elders. Wasn't it?" Long Kui asked.

The three elders' expression turned grave as they shook their heads.

The explosion shook the hearts of everyone last night, instantly becoming a mystery as to what caused it.

"Oh, didn't the Luo clan stay hidden in their small courtyard all this time? Let's go ask them." Long Jiu slapped his head as he turned to 3rd elder.

Nodding, 3rd elder walked in the small courtyard's direction, followed by the others.

Long Kui smirked, "The battle must've been so brutal last night that a tiny clan like them were scared to even poke their heads. They probably hadn't seen anything."

None spoke while Long Jie shook his head.

They clearly approved of her stance, as they were only going there to ask for clues.

When they arrived before the guest room of the small courtyard, they saw Luo clan's members standing before Zhuo Fan's door with worried faces. With them were three more people and one among them was in the Profound Heaven Stage.

"It can't be that... yesterday was because..."

The three elders were startled, hurrying to pay their respects to Lei Yuntian.

"May I inquire brother's name?" Long Jiu looked at him while being confused, [When did Luo clan get an expert?]

Lei Yuntian returned the gesture as he knew of Veiled Dragon Pavilion's might, "I am Lei Yuntian from Blackwind Mountain. It's an honor to meet the famous Veiled Dragon Pavilion. I am fortunate to come face to face with elders!"

Long Jiu nodded.

Having stayed in Windgaze City for so long, he knew the city had many clans with different power levels. But only the recently established Sun clan along with the previous Luo clan, Cai clan and Blackwind Mountain's Lei clan were first-rated clans.

Of course, this applied to a small town like Windgaze City, not including the seven houses.

As the Lei clan now had a Profound Heaven expert, the Blackwind Mountain's influence would expand like never before. Despite how Bone Tempering Stage and Profound Heaven Stage were but a stage apart, the fact that a clan had a Profound Heaven expert as overseer, it now became a second-rate clan on this continent. Those that lacked such power, were mere third-rate or fallen clans.

Lei clan can now be considered as the most outstanding clan in Windgaze City.

"Clan Head Lei, I wonder what are you..." Long Jiu roamed his eyes over the people gathered before Zhuo Fan's room.

Lei Yuntian sighed, "Steward Zhuo was hurt last night and is unclear if he will survive..."

"What, this place was under attack too?"

rd elder was shocked. He thought that Long Jie and Long Kui had blocked all Hell Valley's men last night, but it seemed that wasn't the case.

"Did they prepare two teams?"

"Humph." A sudden snort of disdain came from behind, "Wasn't Zhuo Fan always acting so high and mighty? Didn't he boast he'd surpass the seven houses in ten years? So useless, to only end up on his death bed from a bunch of thieves!"

Luo clan and Lei clan all glared at the speaker, but Long Kui just rolled her eyes.

"Quiet, little Kui." Long Jiu shot her a glare and Long Kui was forced to remain silent.

Looking apologetic toward Lei Yuntian, Long Jiu spoke, "Please excuse her rash behavior. Just who could it be, powerful enough to injure Zhuo Fan to such a state even with a Profound Heaven expert such as yourself protecting him?"

[What, me protecting him?]

Lei Yuntian was taken aback, but then shook his head, "I am ashamed to say that I only advanced last night and still lacked the power to defend Steward Zhuo."

To others, Lei Yuntian was the strongest here and it was natural for him to protect everyone. But only he was the clearest as to who protected who last night.

"But the enemy was a Profound Heaven expert that called himself Elder Yun."

"What, You Yunqing?"

rd elder and Long Jiu were startled as the former muttered, "I never thought that he'd also come."

But then he turned with joy at Lei Yuntian, "Brother Lei, you're amazing. That man was one of Hell Valley's twelve elders, having entered the Profound Heaven Stage for decades. Yet you just advanced to Profound Heaven Stage and defeated him. Impressive indeed."

The other two elders also showed their admiration.

Lei Yuntian blushed and said with a cough, "3rd elder is exaggerating. I couldn't even take a single blow from him."

"Then how did you all pass the night unharmed?" Long Jiu asked.

Scratching his head, Lei Yuntian looked at Zhuo Fan's door, "It's all thanks to Steward Zhuo. If not for him, everyone here would've undoubtedly perished."

"You're saying Zhuo Fan held You Yunqing back by himself, all night?"

Everyone was stunned, Long Kui included.

"B-but he's just a Qi Condensation cultivator." Long Jiu refuted.

Lei Yuntian shrugged at a loss, "I am clear on that, but so what?"

The last words choked Long Jiu. Lei Yuntian said it as if it was a common occurrence for a Qi Condensation cultivator to fight off a Profound Heaven cultivator for an entire night.

"And?"

rd elder clenched his fists, staring at Lei Yuntian, "You mean to tell us Zhuo Fan forced Elder You Yunqing into retreating?"

"Retreat?"

Frowning, Lei Yuntian showed a trace of fear as he relived the last night's events, "You are underestimating Zhuo Fan far too much."

[Underestimate? How?]

[Even if one scoured the continent, would he ever find an instance where a Qi Condensation cultivator forced a Profound Heaven expert into retreating?]

[We only made the most reasonable guess, yet even this is such a far fetched exaggeration that not even Zhuo Fan would believe. If not for you mentioning it, we'd have never conceived such ideas.]

The three elders swallowed dryly, with hearts in their throat.

"The fool didn't even have time to flee, killed in one move by Zhuo Fan!" Lei Yuntian sighed.

"What?"

The elders were overwhelmed with shock.

This was unprecedented!

Long Kui and Long Jie were also dumbfounded.

Long Jiu's hands began to shiver without his knowledge, "Are you saying Zhuo Fan was behind the huge explosion last night? He killed a Hell Valley's Profound Heaven elder and got out with a light wound?"

Lei Yuntian saw their eager expressions and wanted to nod, but frowned instead with a shake of his head.

"What was it then?" Long Jiu was anxious and his aura leaked, forcing the others to take a few steps back.

Lei Yuntian sighed, "I told you not to underestimate the kid. He killed Hell Valley's elder, but not at the cost of injury. Only his Yuan Qi was depleted."

"That's impossible! He came out unscathed?" Long Jiu was battered with one shock after another that even he didn't know what he was saying, "B-but then how did he get hurt?"

Bam!

A pale-faced Zhuo Fan slammed the door open and snapped at Long Jiu, "Isn't it because of you, bro Jiu?"

"Zhuo Fan!"

Some were shocked, some were glad, some were amazed, but most were filled with doubts as they turned to him.

"Are you alright?" Luo Yunchang was worried.

"Alright my ass!"

Zhuo Fan snorted as he glared at everyone who was present, "Here I am trying to keep my life and you people had to yap on and on. You think one can get well like this?"

They all started getting embarrassed and lowered their heads. Only the three elders looked at him at a loss.

Zhuo Fan secretly snorted, "Bro Jiu, didn't you want to know how I got hurt? It's all because of him!"

Zhuo Fan took out a cold corpse shocking them all. The ones most shocked were, of course, the three elders.

"Condor Jian Fan!"

Chapter 41, Purple Lightning Gold Eye's Secret

The fear in Jian Fan's eyes hadn't dissipated even after his death and was clearly visible for everyone as they looked at his corpse that laid stiff on the ground. What manner of death could have evoked such expression from a monster who roamed the continent unhindered?

"H-how? Condor Jian Fan is actually dead. W-who killed him?" Long Jiu was unnerved and stammered.

Zhuo Fan sneered, "Is there a need to ask when I was the one who took out his corpse?"

They all looked at Zhuo Fan with a stranger's eyes. Each guessed as such, but none dared to believe it.

This monster had even escaped the Veiled Dragon Pavilion's three elders' joint attack!

"I knew that there was a deep grudge between him and bro Jiu. Since I chanced upon him, I killed him." Flicking off imaginary dust from himself, Zhuo Fan smiled, "Bro Jiu, please don't take offense from meddling in your affairs."

"H-how can I?"

Long Jiu panted and was staring at the corpse with bloodshot eyes, "This monster ruined my eye and my future. I can hardly contain myself from drinking his blood and feasting on his flesh. How can I blame you for taking revenge in my stead?"

"Brother Zhuo."

Suddenly, Long Jiu cupped his hands, "From this day forth, I shall treat you as a sworn brother. As long as you're in my domain, you just need to ask and I'll do it."

"Sigh, bro Jiu is too courteous. I barely did anything."

Zhuo Fan dismissed him with a wave, but that little movement stirred his wound and winced. Long Jiu appeared next to him in a flash, "Don't move brother, here are some Recovery Pills. In three days you'll be up and about."

Long Jiu took out a few small bottles and placed them in Zhuo Fan's hand.

With how caring Long Jiu was, the other elders stared at Zhuo Fan in amazement. Long Kui pouted, feeling her heart dumped in vinegar.

They just wiped out Hell Valley's men and earned great merit that even the three elders were overjoyed, yet it paled in comparison with Zhuo Fan, who killed two of Hell Valley's elders.

"Humph, who knows what trick he pulled to get so lucky and snatch their heads. How could a Qi Condensation cultivator ever kill a Profound Heaven expert?"

Long Kui muttered in jealousy, but everyone heard her.

rd elder glared but then shook his head.

Yet Zhuo Fan laughed, "It is true that it was by luck that I encountered the one-armed elder and got his head, bad luck in fact. Because I had just then killed a Profound Heaven expert and was out of Yuan Qi. But this also made him underestimate me. How else could I have killed the wounded Elder Jian?"

"If it were any other time, wouldn't the elder kill me with but a wave of his hand? Sigh, last night I had the worst luck. Unlike some people, who only had to lead their men to ensure their safety..." Zhuo Fan sighed as Long Kui's face flushed red.

"You..."

Lei Yuting giggled.

She was clear on what happened last night. Zhuo Fan was indeed amazing, forcing the elder to act as he wanted. But amazing as he was, such an instance wasn't going to repeat itself every time.

Zhuo Fan said that just to spite Long Kui.

[I am better and stronger than you. My merit is also greater, all coming from one well-placed hit. While you can only yap your mouth... ]

The three elders laughed as they shook their heads.

They knew that Zhuo Fan succeeded in bringing down a Profound Heaven expert only through special means and not like how he bragged about, killing because he met him.

But the fact remained, him killing two such experts in a single night shook the elders' core.

"Old Jiu, take care of brother Zhuo's wound. We will also add a few hundred guards around the premises while I and brother Wu report back to the estate. We must notify Pavilion Lord."

Long Jiu nodded while Long Kui and Long Jie froze, [Why even 3rd elder is calling Zhuo Fan brother?]

Zhuo Fan adapted to the change on the spot, "Bro San, bro Wu, take care!"

Stumbling, 3rd and 5th elders shook their heads in dismay.

[Old Jiu was right, this kid's greatest talent is to read hearts.]

After they left, Long Jiu and the others helped Zhuo Fan back to his room. Long Jie and Long Kui left to handle the additional security of the small courtyard.

In bed, Zhuo Fan eased his breathing and asked, "Everyone leave, I have to talk with bro Jiu alone."

As the people left, Long Jiu was wondering what could Zhuo Fan want to know so urgently.

"Bro Jiu, I have a gift for you."

"Gift?" Long Jiu only laughed, "Brother, I'm not trying to discourage you, but the Luo clan hasn't got anything I could take interest in! Or is it that you have another ancient array?"

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "In your dreams! That array alone is worth ten million at the minimum. Do you think they're easy to come by? But I'm pretty sure you're going to like this gift."

Zhuo Fan took out a bag.

Frowning, Long Jiu didn't understand until Zhuo Fan opened the bag and a crow landed on his shoulder.

"Jian Fan's Soul Devouring Crow?"

"Correct."

"Ever since that old guy died, this crow has been without an owner. I'm sure bro Jiu wouldn't need long to turn it into your spirit animal, always there to protect you."

Long Jiu's eyes began to glisten.

The title of Godeye Long Jiu lost all it's power ever since his eye was robbed. Now that he had the crow, it was as if he recovered his mystic eye.

"Brother, thank you for your kind intention." Long Jiu's eye trembled from the heartfelt gratitude.

Zhuo Fan continued, "Bro Jiu, there's just one thing I am unclear about. Since you trained one eye in Purple Lightning Gold Eye, why couldn't you do the same for the other?"

"Sigh, brother, this mystic eye of mine was gained through a chance encounter. A once in a lifetime opportunity." Long Jiu sighed recalling his youth.

"This mystic eye wasn't cultivated through a cultivation method from Veiled Dragon Pavilion. It was something I found through luck."

Long Jiu considered Zhuo Fan as one of his closest friends. Thus, he became the first listener to this secret Long Jiu had buried for such a long time, "Brother, do you know of the three danger zones on this continent?"

After Zhuo Fan shook his head, Long Jiu smiled, "You can go anywhere you want across the continent, except for the three danger zones. Regardless of your strength, you'll find helpless against the dangers in there."

Zhuo Fan nodded from how serious Long Jiu looked but didn't take the warning to heart.

"The zones are Lightning Canyon, Ice Mountain and Fire Pit!"

Long Jiu stared at Zhuo Fan in all seriousness, but then laughed in the end, "Never mind, even if you want to go you still can't. Only if your luck is sky-high will you enter one."

"Why?"

"Because these zones appear at random. Today, they might be in the East and tomorrow in the West. Regardless of where they descend, it will cause a terrible tornado that draws in all who dared approach, while also trapping them inside."

[That must be an array which an expert had deployed. If one didn't know how the array operated, they would have no hope of finding the entrance.]

Zhuo Fan asked, "Then how did you get out?"

Long Jiu nodded with a deep look, "You're smart, brother. Yes, in my youth I chanced upon the Lightning Canyon."

"At that time, the tornado swept me away and all I could see was a world of purple lightning. Every single expert there fell under the purple strikes. Just recalling it sends shivers down my spine. Then the oddest thing happened. The strike that was meant for me hit in my eye. While I was unharmed, all that I could feel from my eye was scorching heat."

Zhuo Fan now understood.

As it was stated in the Nine Serenities Secret Records regarding the Heavenly Emperor's Purple Lightning Gold Eye, everything was subjected to be destroyed under its gaze, all except the eye. This was why when the purple lightning struck Long Jiu's eye, he was unharmed.

"Perhaps because of my will to survive, I gave it my all in fighting for my life. I was aware of the purple lightning's power but still wanted to live. It was at that moment that a man's voice reached me. He was reciting some method and I, in my confused state, mimicked his words. It shocked me in the end when my eye released purple lightning."

"It may have been because of the eye that the purple lightning no longer struck me. Finally, when the tornado passed, only I survived. But ever since I was robbed of my eye and because of the frantic situation when I gained it, I no longer recalled the words that man recited and had no way of forming another mystic eye."

Long Jiu sighed while Zhuo Fan nodded.

Lightning Canyon was a remnant the Heavenly Emperor left behind and contained his cultivation method. [I have to find it. If I add the Nine Serenities Emperor's legacy with Heavenly Emperor's, with two of the three ancient Emperors' legacy in my hands, none can contest me!]

[I didn't reincarnate in vain!]

[No one would ever imagine that a powerful Emperor Stage expert would leave his remnant in the mortal world. Ha-ha-ha...]

Zhuo Fan wanted to cackle but was sensible enough to refrain since Long Jiu was next to him.

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Chapter 42, Resisting

Their talk took the entire day. Once Zhuo Fan got hold of all the information that interested him, he walked Long Jiu out after which he entered seclusion for a month to heal.

With Long Jiu's Recovery Pills, he was back to full health in ten days but was forced to spend the remaining time to patch up Blood Infant's precarious state.

A month later, Zhuo Fan came out of his room stretching his limbs and enjoying the fresh air. Moreover, just a few days ago, he and Blood Infant entered the 5th layer of Qi Condensation.

Just that it was a pity one of the two elders from Hell Valley died for naught. He truly hoped he could absorb the elder's Yuan Qi at the time.

With it, he'd be in the Bone Tempering Stage by now.

"Ah, Steward Zhuo..."

Xiao Cui shrieked in joy seeing him but then bolted.

Zhuo Fan was stumped, feeling his face unconsciously. [Did something change about me? Why did she run as soon as she saw me?]

[What's so scary about me? I'm not a man-eating monster.]

But he soon had it all figured out.

[I must've been too rough on her when I ripped their clothes that time and this girl is now afraid of me. The same as how Luo Yunhai was before.]

Zhuo Fan snickered, [I was kinda too hard on both the kids.]

"Brother Zhuo, are you feeling better?"

This time it was the uncouth Captain Pang.

"Old Pang!"

Captain Pang was the only one he admitted being his friend since he reincarnated. Zhuo Fan started to miss him after not seeing each other for a month.

However, just as Captain Pang was about to give him a friendly hug, his face changed and away he ran.

This time, Zhuo Fan was floored.

[Forget that lass, Xiao Cui, why is even Old Pang avoiding me like a plague?]

Zhuo Fan frowned, unable to get to the bottom of it.

He was expert in reading people's intentions in negotiations and fights, but that was because he was convinced every man's actions were motivated by benefit.

Yet Old Pang's behavior had him stumped.

[I've done nothing to hurt him and he shouldn't have a reason for being scared of me. Then what's the deal with him running away?]

Zhuo Fan shook his head in puzzlement but he wasn't in the mood to find out the reason. A man such as Demonic Emperor was a man of great action, not bothered by petty affairs.

When he was about to leave, Lei Yuting appeared in his sight with a lunch box and Xiao Cui running behind her.

Her cute body hid behind Lei Yuting, peeking her small head to gaze at Zhuo Fan.

"What are you up to?" Zhuo Fan stood in place, puzzled.

Lei Yuting walked with unsure steps, unlike the usual decisive nature she carried herself with. When she looked at Zhuo Fan, her cheeks were rosy, "Um, Steward Zhuo, thank you for saving me. Please accept this small token of appreciation."

Zhuo Fan eyed the lunch box with suspicion as he eased the lid open.

A wonderful smell swept him when the intricately made dishes prepared from the heart were in the open.

"What a wonderful smell!"

Zhuo Fan asked, "Where did you buy them from? Did Windgaze City have such a great restaurant?"

"Humph, they weren't bought." Xiao Cui jumped out with a smile, "Young miss spent ten hours each day making them and waited for Steward Zhuo to come out of seclusion to try them out!"

[Every day?]

Zhuo Fan now unraveled the mystery of Xiao Cui running at the sight of him. It was to notify Lei Yuting.

Not knowing when he'd come out, Lei Yuting cooked for him every day. Her perseverance moved him.

Nodding, Zhuo Fan spoke, "I accept your gift."

Lei Yuting cupped her blushing face and whispered, "Steward Zhuo just got well and needs to take care of his body. Hurry and eat before it gets cold."

"Right!"

Zhuo Fan returned to his room with the lunch box. Even though he was in the Qi Condensation Stage, not eating for a month made him hungry.

Lei Yuting with Xiao Cui in tow followed him in. Her eyes shined like the sun, soft yet warm enough to melt a glacier.

When Zhuo Fan was about to dig in, Luo Yunchang's charming figure entered the room with a knock. Captain Pang followed behind her.

Quirking an eyebrow, Zhuo Fan saw her carrying a lunch box too.

"Oh, I didn't know Steward Zhuo already had someone bringing him breakfast. I was worried for nothing."

When she saw the lunch box in front Zhuo Fan, Luo Yunchang's smile widened but her eyes became sharp as if they were about to poke holes into everyone present.

"What got her in such a foul mood this morning?" Zhuo Fan flickered his brow in confusion. But when he picked up on Captain Pang's pitying glance, it got him baffled.

Bam!

Luo Yunchang slammed the box in front of Zhuo Fan while squeezing a smile, "Steward Zhuo, this is something I made for you to help in your recovery."

"I already have a share. I'm not a glutton to eat so much."

Zhuo Fan shrugged, planning on pushing aside Luo Yunchang's box but then he sensed killing intent. He caught Luo Yunchang's eyes glaring at him.

"Um, I'll try both of them."

Zhuo Fan flinched for the first time in his life. He didn't understand what the fuss was about but knew that if he hadn't said that, there would have been a real danger to his life.

Revealing Luo Yunchang's dishes, he found them scorched black, cutting most of his appetite.

"Um, I think I'll eat this one."

Zhuo Fan went for Lei Yuting's box as she showed a bright smile.

But even before his hand reached it, Luo Yunchang bumped her box closer to him with a glare, "Didn't you say you'll eat them both?"

Zhuo Fan's brow flickered, hesitation setting in as he took another long look at Luo Yunchang's burnt dishes.

But he could hardly refuse her sincere eyes and nodded, "Alright, I'll eat them."

Luo Yunchang broke out into a wide smile, to which Lei Yuting was showing disdain.

"Mine first." Luo Yunchang urged.

"No, mine." Lei Yuting said in haste.

The two women's eyes met and sparks seemed to fly.

Zhuo Fan wondered, [Weren't they close? Why are they fighting all of a sudden?] He couldn't comprehend what could bring such a change in them.

"First come, first served."

Zhuo Fan then took a bite out of Lei Yuting's dishes. She was staring at him with wide and expectant eyes.

Zhuo Fan gave a thumbs up, "Delicious!"

Lei Yuting's smile bloomed like a flower while Xiao Cui pushed out her chin and shouted, "My Young miss started cooking since she was ten. No one in Windgaze City can match her skill. You are fortunate today, Steward Zhuo."

Xiao Cui's boast embarrassed Lei Yuting, but even that couldn't take away the radiant smile from her face.

Luo Yunchang pouted, "Zhuo Fan, try mine."

Zhuo Fan took a bite but spat it out as soon as it touched his tongue.

"Even poison is better." His words were sharp as he took Lei Yuting's box, "I still choose this one."

Lei Yuting was smiling, while Luo Yunchang's eyes started tearing.

"Wow, such a great smell!"

At this time Luo Yunhai shouted in surprise as he jumped into Zhuo Fan's room, "Bro Zhuo, you're out! And you are having such a feast, why didn't you invite me?"

"Go and eat your sister's cooking." Zhuo Fan dissed him.

Luo Yunhai complained, "Her skill isn't worth a dime. She doesn't know anything besides opening the kitchen door."

Unable to stay there any longer, Luo Yunchang ran out with her lunch box. But people could see the droplets she left behind on the floor.

"Um, was I wrong?" Luo Yunhai was confused.

"Not at all." Zhuo Fan gorged on Lei Yuting's cooking as he said, "But some people have low confidence."

After finishing his meal, Zhuo Fan informed the others before leaving, "Stay here as Hell Valley's people might still lurk around. I'm going to pay Veiled Dragon Pavilion a visit."

Luo Yunhai and Captain Pang nodded then turned to Lei Yuting. Seeing her all flushed, Xiao Cui was even more excited, "How great, Young miss, Steward Zhuo is interested in you."

Lei Yuting only smiled.

At the same time, in the Imperial City.

In a magnificent office, two people sat side by side. One man was in his forties, dressed in a white silken robe. He had a small hanging mustache that shook with his smile.

The other man was in his fifties, with a somber complexion and wearing a dark cloak. His pair of large eyes were filled with grievance.

The two acted like strangers, not meeting each other's eyes.

Cough, cough, cough...

With a cough, a shaky body appeared before the two. It was an old man dressed in a golden robe embroidered with nine dragons.

"Your Majesty!"

The men rose up and bowed.

The elder waved for them to sit, "Veiled Dragon Pavilion and Hell Valley both are from the Seven Noble Houses, the pillars of the empire. What matter has made you request an audience with me?"

This elder was the Emperor of Tianyu Empire!

"Your Majesty, Veiled Dragon Pavilion killed two of our Hell Valley's elders last month, breaking the seven houses' agreement. Your Majesty, please punish the Veiled Dragon Pavilion!" The black-robed man complained.

Sneering, the middle-aged man spoke, "You Wanshan, you have some nerve complaining first! Your Hell Valley's elder infringed upon my Veiled Dragon Pavilion's domain. How are you going to explain it? Who is it that broke the seven houses agreement first?"

"One of my valley's disciple, You Quan, was killed in Windgaze City. Can't I send an elder to bring the matter to light?" You Wanshan squinted, "Long Yifey, you are just making an excuse to exact revenge for what happened two decades ago."

"Ha-ha-ha, and? Twenty years ago, you trapped Elder Jiu in Drifting Leaves City and ruined his mystic eye. You accused him of entering your domain and breaching the seven houses agreement, I didn't object. This time, however, it is your elder who entered mine. And not just one, but four! Is this what you call investigation?"

"Enough!"

The Emperor's cold shout came as his eyes flashed in anger, "Both sides are in violation. This is my judgment. Veiled Dragon Pavilion shall withdraw from Windgaze City, it is no longer part of your domain. Hell Valley and Veiled Dragon Pavilion's people are never to set foot in this city ever again."

"Your Majesty!"

The two cupped their fists, but the Emperor flicked his sleeve, "This matter is settled, withdraw. I no longer want to hear anything about the seven houses, nor about internal disputes."

"Understood!"

None of them was willing to accept this conclusion but retreated nonetheless.

When they were gone, the Emperor's eyes flashed, "For Hell Valley's people to enter Windgaze City, they must be privy to the thousand-year-old secret."

"The Imperial City has always been a place of conflict, filled with the eyes and ears of every faction. This should be known to Your Majesty." An aged voice replied from behind.

The Emperor chuckled, "It seems... the plan has begun. Pearls will always shine, he-he-he..."

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Chapter 43, A Stubborn Fatty

Since the Veiled Dragon Pavilion's grand gate was but a few hundred steps away, Zhuo Fan chose to walk.

However, he stopped before passing through it.

In front of the gate was a yellow palanquin with four peak Qi Condensation cultivators as carriers and 16 Bone Tempering cultivators surrounding it.

A fat figure in yellow stood in front of the palanquin. You could barely make out his pin-sized eyes from his bulging cheeks. At first glance, one would take him as having a bun in place of his head.

Zhuo Fan shook his head. He'd seen his fair share of people, but this was his first encountering such a fatso.

[How can one get so fat?]

Zhuo Fan resumed his gait, glancing at the fatty from time to time. His appearance was far from attractive, but his 7th Qi Condensation cultivation and the large number of guards was nothing to scoff.

If the fatty was from Veiled Dragon Pavilion, he'd have gone in by now.

"Wait!"

Zhuo Fan's entry was stopped by a sudden shout. Turning around, he caught the sight of fatty's feet sinking into the ground with each step towards him.

Zhuo Fan's cheek started twitching, "Do you... need something?"

"He-he-he, are you from Veiled Dragon Pavilion?"

The fatty smiled. It would've been better if he hadn't, as his eyes were now gone for good.

Zhuo Fan was shocked by such a baffling appearance for a moment, "I'm just a guest."

"Eh, that means you can also enter." The fatty showed a warm smile, "Can I ask brother's help with a small matter? Please send word to Young miss Long Kui. She hasn't come out for a whole day and I had to sleep outside."

[This weird fatty is pursuing Long Kui.]

Zhuo Fan wanted to laugh, but he couldn't, not when there were so many people around. [To think that haughty Long Kui knows this fellow.]

Setting aside his status, his weight alone would make her awkward if someone caught them together.

"Alright, I will tell her right away." Zhuo Fan struggled not to laugh as the fatty cupped his hands in gratitude, "I'll leave it to brother."

Zhuo Fan hastened his pace in fear of laughing if he spent one more moment with this guy. It wasn't worth it offending a great faction for such a reason.

He soon arrived at the meeting room and met Long Kui, "Miss Kui, long time no see. How have you been?"

"Great, until you showed up." Long Kui snorted. Zhuo Fan didn't mind it, "Where's bro Jiu, I want to speak with him."

"Out!" Long Kui rolled her eyes.

Zhuo Fan read her face and found that she didn't lie. Since he didn't see Long Jie either, it meant that he must be with Long Jiu on business.

This would put a delay on the things he wanted to know. But he still had that fatty's message to deliver. [To get that guy's gratitude and support, all I have to do is make this smug girl see him. What's the harm in passing the time while embarrassing this missy while I'm at it?]

Zhuo Fan showed a wide grin.

"What's with you?" Long Kui frowned.

"Oh, nothing. There's a rich handsome guy outside who wants to talk to you. Hurry up and see him before he's gone."

"Hey, Miss Long, who's he?" Zhuo Fan elbowed her with raised eyebrows.

Long Kui knew Zhuo Fan was making fun of her and got angry. Ignoring him, she walked to the gates with Zhuo Fan laughing behind her.

"Damn fatty, haven't I rejected your marriage proposal already? What are you still doing here?"

The fatty's smile fell.

"Sister Long Kui, that happened when I was ten. Now I'm twenty. Don't you feel anything after I proposed a thousand times these past ten years?"

"Of course I have, annoyance!"

Zhuo Fan butted in at this point, patting the fatty's shoulder as he looked at Long Kui, "Miss Long Kui, such tender and strong love are rare these days. My dear friend is so smitten by you that he even slept outside waiting for you."

The last words almost made Zhuo Fan burst in laughter. The fatty was so touched that the thick sarcasm flew right past him.

Long Kui saw them working in unison, one explaining while the other agreeing, and felt her anger peaking. But for some reason, she changed to a charming smile.

Even Zhuo Fan blanked out from seeing her smile like this for the first time. And there was no need to mention the drooling fatty.

Long Kui felt sick inside but still maintained her composure, "Brother Cong, you've always treated me so well ever since we were little. But my heart belongs to another... "

"What, who's the punk?" The fatty's face changed and his eyes spat fire.

Zhuo Fan thought, [Uh-oh. She isn't planning on dragging me into this is she?]

Yet Long Kui turned to him with an enigmatic smile.

[Oh. Hell.]

Zhuo Fan didn't know which faction the fatty belonged to, but one thing was clear, he wasn't to be provoked. Zhuo Fan already had Hell Valley as his enemy and messing with another faction just as strong, if not stronger, then even Demonic Emperor would have a hard time turning disaster into an opportunity.

"I was wondering why you are able to enter Veiled Dragon Pavilion like you own the place. It was because you and Long Kui are..." The fatty grabbed Zhuo Fan's collar and glared.

Zhuo Fan denied, "Brother, it's all just a misunderstanding..."

However, the fatty's eyes were red from anger and blinded to reason. There were two things any man would go berserk from, having his father killed and wife stolen. But the latter caused way more outrage than the former.

Feeling as if he was wearing such a hat with no rime or reason turned this misunderstanding into a conflict.

Zhuo Fan sighed, [Now I have to ask Long Jiu to explain in order to avoid offending another power.]

He was pondering on how to do it when he was floored by fatty's next words.

"Sister Kui, what do you not like about me? Does this punk have something that I don't?"

Zhuo Fan almost spat blood, watching the fatty in a daze, "Brother, now I know why you proposed a thousand times."

Cocky people, he has seen aplenty, but this was Zhuo Fan's first time meeting one as oblivious about himself as this guy.

Watching the fatty, who could burrow the earth just by standing, Zhuo Fan wanted to shout, [Brother, it's more like you pack something way extra than me!]

Even Long Kui was silently rolling her eyes.

"Brother Cong, there must be some other reason for you to be here. You do not have the luxury of leaving the Imperial Capital as you wish. Take care of your matters and stop wasting time."

"That is out of the question. You are my future wife. I even applied for this task just to see you. Yet..."

Then the fatty glared at Zhuo Fan.

"Let's duel!"

He pointed at Zhuo Fan's nose as he raged, "We will duel today to settle Sister Kui's groom."

Zhuo Fan took a closer look at the fatty, secretly admiring him, [This kid is the first who didn't shout out his glorious clan's name before me.]

Just from this, Zhuo Fan liked him.

Hearing the fatty request a duel, one of his guard stepped forward, "Young Master, your body is too precious to participate in duels! It's best if you let me handle him..."

"Quiet!"

The fatty interrupted the guard, "It is I who want to marry Sister Kui. My honor and dignity as a man are on the line. If you fight, I'll be mocked forever and Sister Kui will despise me even more!"

[I will never ever approve of you!] Long Kui rolled her eyes.

Zhuo Fan agreed with a grin, "Well said, I accept. However, all your guards are stronger than me and I can't take even a single hit from them if they interfere."

"If I say we will duel, then it will be one on one. My word is gold. You don't believe me?" The fatty was even angrier now.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "I do believe you. But if I defeat you, can they hold themselves from not jumping in? At that point, even if you order them not to, it won't do much good."

It was unknown if the fatty was pondering or fuming since his eyes disappeared when he squinted. But then he barked at the guards, "All of you stay put. If anyone has the nerve to move, I'll kill him."

Then he turned to Zhuo Fan, "Pick a location where we won't be disturbed."

Zhuo Fan smiled while Long Kui frowned and blocked him, "You truly intend to fight? If he gets hurt, even Veiled Dragon Pavilion can't help you."

He just nodded, "This fatty isn't bad."

Long Kui was stunned.

When the fatty saw them stick together, his heart was aflame from rage, panting with each word, he declared, "Punk, you'll see. I will mop the floor with you."

Zhuo Fan smiled, not minding it in the least...

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Chapter 44, Assassin

Zhuo Fan took the fatty to a remote place in the woods. Since Long Kui was afraid of mishaps she also went along, but Zhuo Fan already had Blood Infant keep an eye out.

At least the fatty's order worked like a charm and the guards stayed behind.

Zhuo Fan clapped, "Fatty I praise you for not using the guards."

"Humph, I am always true to my word. This is related to me and Sister Kui's happy marriage. I will have to beat you, pesky puck, so thorough you can't contest my victory. Or who knows what excuse you'll use later to pester Sister Kui." The fatty jutted out his chin.

Smiling, Zhuo Fan showed his vicious side, "Aren't you worried I laid an ambush?"

The fatty frowned. His pin-sized eyes scoured his surroundings as he roared, "Humph, I am willing to venture alone against any adversity, but if you think Sister Kui will look kindly to such a despicable punk, think again. No matter what you have in store, I will never lose!"

"Ha-ha-ha, enough with the heroism. Kid, I like you. It's time we get this duel started." Zhuo Fan smiled.

Yet even before he finished, a punch came his way.

Zhuo Fan rushed to dodge, but he was too late to react. His body flew and his right cheek was now red and swollen.

"Hey fatso, I thought you were an honorable man!" Zhuo Fan snapped at the nonchalant fatty who replied, "Didn't you just give start to the duel? All is fair in love and war."

Zhuo Fan took a long look at him and secretly nodded.

[This kid is more cunning than he lets on, yet he conducts himself with honor. He is as honest as Old Pang but that is where the similarities end.]

Compared to the simple Old Pang, Zhuo Fan liked the shrewd fatty more.

A demonic cultivator would use any means to reach his goal. This fatty, who bent the limits of morality, was more to Zhuo Fan's liking.

"Ha-ha-ha, you're right!" Zhuo Fan cackled and pointed at Long Kui, "Fatty, look, Long Kui is undressing!"

The fatty could spot a lie when he heard one, but he still bought it this time and turned towards Long Kui's direction.

Bam!

Zhuo Fan used this chance to kick the fatty into the air.

"Bastard!"

Long Kui fumed at the sideline with a red face, yet the culprit didn't mind it in the least when her glare focused on him.

"Wretched punk, you dared sully Sister Kui's honor. I will show you!" The fatty wobbled as he got to his feet but his eyes burned hotter than ever.

Zhuo Fan dissed him, "I was just messing around, yet you looked anyway. Weren't you also thinking something shameful about our Young miss Long?"

The fatty gasped.

Never had he heard this kind of counter before. Zhuo Fan might have disrespected Long Kui but didn't he himself sully his goddess by imagining something inappropriate? If so, did he have the right to blame Zhuo Fan?

Fatty's resentment was gone just like that and he even felt ashamed. But once he imagined Long Kui changing clothes, his face went beet-red. His small eyes were perfect in hiding his secret stare over Long Kui's enticing figure.

But she found him out nonetheless and stared him down with killing intent.

When a shiver crawled up his spine, the fatty focused on the fight, "Punk, I will let this matter slide. Time to get serious."

The fatty's body gave out a golden shine and even the ground started cracking around him.

"High mortal ranked martial art, Mountain Shaking Punch!"

The fatty darted towards Zhuo Fan like a raging bull, cracking each and every stone he set his foot on.

"Punk, better dodge. But if you do, admit your loss!"

Grinning, Zhuo Fan extended a red palm, not intimidated in the least.

The fatty raved, "Damn punk, this will be your funeral! I am at the 7th layer of Qi Condensation and using a high ranked martial art. This is not a move which a 5th layer Qi Condensation punk can withstand!"

"If you treasure your life, dodge!"

But Zhuo Fan didn't budge.

The fatty didn't wish for the worst outcome and wanted to hold back some of his power, but it was too late now. His flabby body was already upon Zhuo Fan.

Boom!

Something strange happened. The weak-looking Zhuo Fan was still standing as a breeze ruffled his hair.

The fatty, however, had his golden light scattered thanks to the red glow and was sent flying.

He hit the ground in a daze and even as he got up, he still couldn't shake his astonishment.

"How can this be? I am clearly stronger so why was I the one who got pushed back?" He needed a long time to recover from the shock.

Long Kui scoffed.

She didn't like Zhuo Fan one bit, but that didn't stop her from admiring his strength and ability. After all, he was the first on the continent to have killed two Profound Heaven expert while being a Qi Condensation cultivator.

Arriving next to fatty, Zhuo Fan offered his hand with a smile, "Fatty, I know you went easy on me."

The fatty sighed, "A loss is a loss. Using all my power against someone weaker is the same as loosing. I am an upright man. This is your win."

Zhuo Fan turned serious, "You might take it as being upright, but I see it as kindness."

The fatty looked closer at Zhuo Fan. He was amazed this man found out his intention in that split second.

"I see now why Sister Kui likes you!"

The fatty praised him and took Zhuo Fan's hand. He went to Long Kui and sighed, "Sister Kui, you've found a great man. This punk will turn into a monster one day."

The fatty felt dejected.

But a sudden sound broke the silence.

Zhuo Fan squinted his eyes and pushed the fatty to the ground. A green light passed above them the next second, cutting all the trees in its path.

The fatty looked up at Zhuo Fan with gratitude, "Brother, thank you for saving me. I never thought that my love rival will become my savior."

"It's too early for thanks. Here they come." Zhuo Fan frowned as he helped the fatty up. Long Kui also ran next to them.

A dozen men appeared around the three of them the next moment, each giving off the energy of a Bone Tempering expert.

"What now?"

Long Kui's expression was grave as she looked at Zhuo Fan. With the Veiled Dragon Pavilion being even farther than the fatty's guards, the only one she could turn for help was the guy she disliked the most. But he was also the one most likely to pull off a miracle.

The fatty strode out from between the two with confidence, "It's me you're after. Let them go."

"Hi-hi-hi, as a member of the imperial family you sure have the air of a King. But too bad we can't leave any witnesses." A man stood out from the group, he was their leader.

The fatty was filled with hatred.

Suddenly, Zhuo Fan kicked the fatty with a snicker, "This fatty is under my care. If you want to kill him, you'll have to go through me first."

The dozen men laughed.

"A mere Qi Condensation insect wants to act tough?"

"Since they'll all die anyway, let's start with him."

"It's best we kill the fatty first and complete the mission. It was hard enough finding this opportunity after waiting for so long. We can't let it go to waste..."

As they were rambling on and on, the fatty whispered to Zhuo Fan, "Brother, they're after me. I will run towards East while you take Sister Kui back to Veiled Dragon Pavilion."

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "With your speed, you won't even last one second."

"What other choice do we have?" Asked the fatty flustered.

Zhuo Fan hardened his tone and said, "Slaughter them all!"

He took a step and reached their leader as Savage Moon flashed in his hand.

"Demonic treasure?"

The leader was shocked and wanted to dodge, but a red light entered his body and froze his movements.

Whoosh!

With a silver flash, a head trailed the sky followed by a fountain of blood. Only Zhuo Fan stood in the pool of blood with cruel eyes.

For the first time in fatty's life, his eyes bulged out from his chubby face, becoming larger than ever...

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Chapter 45, Slaughter

The silence was deafening!

Everyone watched slack-jawed at the unfolding event. No one there could've imagined a Qi Condensation kid blindsiding them, who were Bone Tempering experts, and even killing one in a single hit.

All the mockery and disdain they had for Zhuo Fan was now replaced with extreme caution.

Fatty was still out of it, staring at Zhuo Fan like his brain was on the fritz. It finally dawned upon him that it wasn't him who held back the most in their duel, but Zhuo Fan.

"Kill the punk first!"

With a sudden shout, the men charged at Zhuo Fan together. They were now of one mind, no longer of a different opinion. They had to kill this dreadful and sinister punk first. If they were to leave him for later, they were sure they'd have to pay a steep price, even if they outnumbered him.

They had long forgotten their main objective and were now pointing their weapons at the punk who was holding Savage Moon and standing in a pool of blood.

Smiling wryly, Zhuo Fan snickered, "I wouldn't have it any other way!"

The next moment, he jumped at the first enemy. The man was startled and rushed to retreat. Even if Zhuo Fan was just in the Qi Condensation Stage and unable to hurt him, the 3rd-grade demonic treasure would cut through him like butter.

Their leader got such a miserable death for underestimating Zhuo Fan and he wasn't willing to make the same mistake.

With eyes fixed on Savage Moon's trail, the killer grinned. He knew how to deal with Zhuo Fan. Since his speed was superior to Zhuo Fan, all he needed to do was pay attention to Savage Moon, and killing this kid would be a breeze.

However, just as he was about to jump into action, Savage Moon flashed a silver glow. The light wrapped around Zhuo Fan and then streaked by the killer's body.

The killer had no idea what happened and was looking up as his upper half slid to the ground while his lower half stood there unmoving.

While he fell, he could still see Zhuo Fan's grim face. Especially the eyes, cold and unfeeling.

Everyone sucked in a cold breath as they watched Zhuo Fan with dread.

If one were to say that killing their leader was from a sneak attack, this time around it was a fair fight and yet Zhuo Fan still killed a Bone Tempering expert in an instant.

When the silver light flashed again, he was so fast that none of the killers had time to react before Zhuo Fan felled another.

Such horrifying speed coupled with the sharp edge of the Savage Moon soaked the backs of the killers in a cold sweat.

"As you dared to come look for trouble in my domain...," Zhuo Fan squinted at each man around him and trailed a finger across his neck as his eyes turned red, "...Your lives are forfeited."

At that moment, all of them paled and stepped back. The fear they felt from his eyes mounted the dread they already had. Their roles began to blur as it became unclear who was the victim and who was the killer.

The hunter's and prey's role were now switched.

The fatty watched Zhuo Fan's domineering gaze while being shell-shocked. Then, he was swept by a sudden familiar feeling, the imposing and grand feeling he felt only from his father.

But what he felt from Zhuo Fan was far more assertive. As if all who dared resist this man would find themselves dead beyond a shred of a doubt.

The pressure Zhuo Fan's power released was something that even made him shiver.

Seeing that they couldn't contend with Zhuo Fan individually, a killer shouted, "Don't be afraid, let's attack together. He's just a Qi Condensation punk relying on a 3rd-grade demonic treasure. If we surround him, he's done for."

The others nodded as fear eased from their faces, now that they had a plan, they found hope.

With a cry, the killers jumped at Zhuo Fan closing the net on him.

Sneering, Zhuo Fan rushed forward without fear as he held Savage Moon. His target swallowed dryly but didn't retreat since he had men on each side releasing punch at Zhuo Fan.

If Zhuo Fan pressed on, the killer would die, but so would Zhuo Fan under the joint attack of two Bone Tempering experts.

But if he retreated instead, it would only work to tighten the net and his death would be just a matter of time.

Zhuo Fan didn't plan on dying in this fight, or he would've fled a long time ago with the help of Savage Moon's speed boost.

Whoosh!

With a flash of silver, Zhuo Fan vanished from their sights and the punches hit nothing but air. Zhuo Fan then landed right in front of the killer who was standing behind the other two.

Having not seen this coming, the killer was frightened but soon became elated seeing that Zhuo Fan was not facing him. He didn't waste this chance and punched towards Zhuo Fan's defenseless back.

[Your head is mine, kid.]

But a silver light flashed by and the man froze.

In the moment of impending doom, Zhuo Fan swept Savage Moon around him and jumped from their tight circle.

As for the man behind Zhuo Fan, he watched wide-eyed as his body hit the ground in two pieces, blood and guts spilling everywhere.

Another one!

Even under their joint efforts, Zhuo Fan came out unscathed and robbed them of another comrade. Fear in their eyes mounted higher and higher.

They had some hope before, wishing to kill him with numbers. But that hope was now lost.

"What kind of freak is he? When did the Seven Noble Houses have such a person?" A killer cursed as he felt his knees trembling.

Secretly sneering, Zhuo Fan squinted his eyes and bathed the world with the killing intent they contained.

These killers were routed, they lost their nerve and were no longer a threat. Now was the perfect time to end them.

Zhuo Fan rushed forth with a savage grin.

Silver light flickered as Zhuo Fan brandished Savage Moon and sent limbs flying with each passing. The killers cried during their futile attempts to evade, having lost any and all will to resist.

Zhuo Fan was like a wolf among sheep, taking his fill of slaughter and carnage. For the occasional spirited and still brave souls among them, Blood Infant would enter their body and seal their movements. Thus priming them for Zhuo Fan, only to leave them mangled.

If it was any other day, with Zhuo Fan's strength and Blood Infant's help, he could only fight with a single Bone Tempering expert. If another joined, he'd have a hard time reacting to their attacks, let alone killing a dozen.

But luck had it he got Savage Moon off Elder Yun, whom he killed a month ago.

This gave him newfound confidence. Savage Moon was just as deadly as Blood Infant was on Bone Tempering experts, perhaps even more. Especially when taking its ability to increase one's speed into consideration. And all of this was added to Zhuo Fan who already had the skills to skip stages.

Now that he thought about it, he really ought to thank Hell Valley for throwing such a nice toy in his lap.

Hearing the Bone Tempering experts' miserable wails, watching heads and entrails flying about, the fatty remained lifeless from shock. He stood there witnessing the gruesome dance Zhuo Fan was performing with Savage Moon. For these killers to cry and beg for their lives was something unheard of.

He could hardly believe that the man he recognized as a love rival, the man he challenged, was strong to this degree.

Recalling their duel, it seemed more like a joke now.

The Bone Tempering experts were butchered like animals in front of the fatty. [I, a 7th layered Qi Condensation cultivator, dared to issue a challenge, and still was lenient with him while preaching fairness.]

"Sigh, Yuwen Cong, your lenient act and fairness preaching was meaningless." The fatty shook his head, feeling mournful.

He had seen many peers among the seven houses who were geniuses and even if he wasn't stronger than them, he believed their strength wasn't far from his.

But Zhuo Fan showed him today what the saying 'a man above man, and a sky above a sky' meant.

Those geniuses were nothing but trash by comparison. Furthermore, the gap was so huge at such a young age...

Long Kui covered her mouth experiencing the greatest shock she ever felt.

This was the first time she saw Zhuo Fan fighting. She had heard of him killing two Profound Heaven experts, but doubt still existed. This notion was far too outrageous for anyone to believe.

But watching him fight today, left this young miss stunned.

The cruelty, the overbearing eyes, it was as if a demon had descended, one which was capable of scaring and overpowering even Bone Tempering experts.

Whoosh!

When Zhuo Fan finally stopped, Savage Moon in his hand was dripping blood. The dry earth around him had become a wide pool of blood.

A killer shivered as he watched the Savage Moon's fall with dread. His legs were severed, but the pain wasn't registered as begging was all that was left on his mind.

Not sparing him a glance, Zhuo Fan asked coldly, "Who sent you?"

Zhuo Fan's eyes didn't reflect an ounce of pity towards any living creature in this world, only coldness.

The killer looked around to see his dead brothers and fear swept his heart. He didn't know where to begin describing the savagery and cruelty of this youth before him. This youth was, in all sense of the word, a demon.

The killer's heart was in shambles.

"I-it's..."

But a sudden whistling sound was heard and the killer's eyes lost its light.

"Killing with intent, a Radiant Stage expert!"

Zhuo Fan drew a cold breath. His bottomless and cold eyes now showed a ripple of panic...

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Chapter 46, Alliance

The whistling sound was heard clearly by everyone, but none could afford to slack their guard. On the contrary, each felt their heart in their throat.

A Radiant Stage expert was able to kill with divine intent alone. This was an enemy Zhuo Fan wouldn't be able to defeat even with Blood Infant and Savage Moon.

An icy shiver traveled down his spine as Zhuo Fan turned more and more serious.

Whoosh!

The whistle stopped suddenly and a pair of steps echoed. Zhuo Fan and the other two forgot to breathe. Their eyes were fixed towards the sound's location.

But when the person came out into the open, the fatty was stunned for a second before shouting, "Teacher, how come you're here?"

Long Kui cried with joy, "Senior Fang, what brought you here?"

Zhuo Fan saw the two recognizing the new entrant and began sizing him up.

The man had a goatee and looked like he was in his sixties. He was dressed in a blue robe and had a sword strapped to his back. All this time he was smiling as the green jade flute revolved in his hand.

The jade flute shocked Zhuo Fan. He remembered something and asked, "Are you one of the five Divine Dragons, the guardians of the imperial family, Jade Flute Divine Sword, Fang Qiubai?"

Zhuo Fan heard Long Jiu mention that even if the imperial family could no longer control the seven houses, they could still persevere, all thanks to the five Divine Dragons. Each was a peak Radiant Stage expert whom none of the seven houses would dare mess with.

Among them, there was a man known as the First Divine Sword, and he was Fang Qiubai, Jade Flute Divine Sword.

He boasted himself as having united the sword and the flute as one, that his sword followed the sound and turned it into sword intent. One time, he singlehandedly defeated five Radiant Stage experts with a sword strike, forcing the seven houses to forget about testing him while also spreading his name to the four corners of the world.

The man raised an eyebrow and watched Zhuo Fan with a profound look before nodding.

With laughter, Long Jiu appeared before everyone, "Wasn't I right? This kid has sharp eyes. I only mentioned you once and he already recognized you."

"Uncle Jiu!"

Long Kui was overjoyed as she ran to him, "When did you and Senior Fang arrive? Why didn't you come out sooner?"

"Ha-ha-ha, we've been here since Brother Zhuo and the 3rd Prince's duel."

Long Jiu turned to Zhuo Fan, "Brother Zhuo, you're quite something to keep a straight face against a dozen Bone Tempering experts. When I was your age, I certainly lacked the courage you showed today. I truly admire you!"

Long Kui pouted while casting a side glance towards Zhuo Fan.

Seeing Zhuo Fan in action had her convinced, but admitting it was a whole nother matter.

"Master, with you two seniors here, why didn't you act? You almost worried your student to death." Fatty clapped his fat chest, "It mattered little what happened to me, but what if Sister Kui got hurt?"

"Ha-ha-ha, and miss a good show?"

Fang Qiubai laughed, eyeing the calm and collected Zhuo Fan, "Moreover, I've never seen such a genius' marvelous display before."

"Senior, you're too kind!"

Zhuo Fan cupped his hands, but his face was stone-cold, "I'm only curious, why did senior kill the last one? Is it..."

Fang Qiubai squinted and his smile turned fake as he spoke in a frosty tone, "Youngster, you are exceptionally sharp, but your strength might turn this advantage into a flaw."

Raising an eyebrow, Zhuo Fan laughed and cupped his hands, "Junior thanks for senior's lesson. Junior has already forgotten this encounter."

Zhuo Fan picked up on Fang Qiubai's warning. He did not wield enough power to poke his nose in their conflict. The man had silenced the killer to protect him.

Fang Qiubai took one more long look at him and his admiration grew, "You're not only smart but also know when to retreat; how rare. What a surprise, finding someone like you in the mortal world yet outside the seven houses. If you weren't a demonic cultivator, something I am unsuited with, I would've wanted to teach you for two years and make your future limitless."

Long Kui and fatty were shocked.

Outsiders may not know who Fang Qiubai was, but the seven houses were crystal clear on his character. Who among the Heads of the seven houses didn't want to have their child under his tutelage?

But this old man was stubborn as a mule, not giving them any attention.

Even if the Emperor were to request him on behalf of his sons, he'd act no differently. He'd been teaching the fatty for three years because Fang Qiubai appreciated his strong will, yet the fatty barely learned a few moves. But it wasn't enough to accept him as a disciple.

Yet the first time he laid eyes on Zhuo Fan, Fang Qiubai took the initiative to invite him. If the two had walked the same cultivation path, Zhuo Fan would've been Divine Sword's first disciple.

Wherever he'd go, if any seven houses' disciples saw him, they'd have to bow down to him.

Long Jiu saw the two kids' shock and surmised their thoughts with a shake of his head. [These kids are yet to reach our level. So they don't know the meaning of rare find.]

With Zhuo Fan's talent, any expert who saw him would want to take him as a disciple. Even if one was unrivaled in the world, to pass on his mantle he needed to find the best disciple suited for his legacy.

The greater the strength of the expert the higher the expectation!

But Zhuo Fan shook his head at this and even sneered.

Forget about Fang Qiubai not accepting him because of cultivation path difference, even if he could be accepted, he'd still refuse. As a Demonic Emperor, the only one worthy of him calling Master was an Emperor Stage expert.

Fang Qiubai was reluctant to let Zhuo Fan pass by him but, in the end, he took fatty and left, "Long Jiu, 3rd Prince still has a task to complete, so I'm taking him with me."

Fang Qiubai and fatty disappeared the moment he finished.

"Wait..." Fatty still wanted to say something to Long Kui and Zhuo Fan, but it was too late. One second his anxious face was there, and the next it was gone.

"So fast!"

Zhuo Fan was shocked, then he hardened his resolve. He had to reach Radiant Stage as soon as possible to guarantee his safety in his travels across the continent.

"Brother Zhuo."

Long Jiu walked to Zhuo Fan with a solemn face, "Come with me to Veiled Dragon Pavilion, there's something I have for you."

Smiling wryly, Zhuo Fan nodded. He had anticipated this.

Fifteen minutes later, Zhuo Fan and Long Jiu were in Veiled Dragon Pavilion's meeting room and Long Jiu pushed an unwilling Long Kui to guard the door outside. Long Jiu took out a sheepskin branded with four dragon marks.

The first words that Zhuo Fan recognized were alliance agreement.

Skimming through it, a pleasing smile bloomed on his face.

This was what he aimed for from the start, an alliance between Veiled Dragon Pavilion and the Luo clan. Veiled Dragon Pavilion would not only become a support for the Luo clan but would also provide resources without any conditions attached.

If the agreement came into effect, he'd be worry-free from any outside attacks and would have the time to develop the Luo clan into a great power.

Long Jiu was a bit astounded, "Why do I feel like you knew this was coming?"

Zhuo Fan smiled.

It had nothing to do with predicting, but planning.

Once he settled on having Veiled Dragon Pavilion as an ally, he used the ancient array diagram to entice Long Jiu, then took advantage of Veiled Dragon Pavilion in sticking its neck out for him.

But that wasn't an alliance, it was just the Luo clan seeking shelter. When faced with great danger, Veiled Dragon Pavilion would've kicked them out.

To avoid the worst outcome, he and Veiled Dragon Pavilion fought side by side and even killed two Profound Heaven elders. He risked offending the Hell Valley to show the potential of the Luo clan.

His aim was an alliance agreement of equals.

If he were alone, he would've avoided showing off by fighting two Profound Heaven experts and amassed fortune instead.

If Veiled Dragon Pavilion's Pavilion Lord was a man of vision, he'd choose alliance. Because he would know that the alliance offered now was like fire in winter for the Luo clan. But if offered in the future, it would be more like decoration, one among many.

As such, Zhuo Fan made a daring gambit. Gambling if the Pavilion Lord was a man of ambition who did not bother with trifles, and willing to make an ally out of a fallen clan.

Fortunately, he won.

Of course, if he lost, then Zhuo Fan would cross Veiled Dragon Pavilion from the list of future potential allies. Just because their leader lacked the bravery and ambition of one.

Zhuo Fan smiled as he rolled up the sheepskin, "I will now take it to Young miss for signing."

"Wait!" Long Jiu gripped his shoulder, "Sign it here and now!"

Zhuo Fan smiled, "I'm not the Clan Head. Signing it as a Steward will make it void."

With a sly smirk, Long Jiu looked at Zhuo Fan in the eye, "Pavilion Lord said this agreement is not with the Luo clan, but with Zhuo Fan."

Frowning, Zhuo Fan stared hard at Long Jiu.

"Wherever Zhuo Fan is, that place is Veiled Dragon Pavilion's ally!" Long Jiu spoke, "This is Pavilion Lord's intent!"

Zhuo Fan frowned, then smiled with a nod.

"Pavilion Lord sure is ambitious, ha-ha-ha..."

In the dead of night, Zhuo Fan returned to the small courtyard and looked for Captain Pang, "Old Pang, where's missy, I'm looking for her."

Sighing, Old Pang muttered, "I'll take you to her."

Zhuo Fan was taken aback but followed nonetheless.

The two entered the kitchen and Zhuo Fan looked at Captain Pang in puzzlement when the latter pointed at Luo Yunchang.

Zhuo Fan saw the chaos inside the kitchen and Luo Yunchang, who had fallen asleep next to the stove. Her face even had traces of soot.

"Sigh, Young miss kept asking the cook for guidance from morning till late into the night." Captain Pang sighed, blaming Zhuo Fan a little.

"Steward Zhuo, I know of your skill, and that Young miss and Young master do not enter your eyes. But you must know, Young miss worked hard day in day out for a whole month to cook for you so that you could have them when you come out of seclusion. But her efforts were not appreciated instead she received your harsh criticization. Any girl would've been devastated after such a response..."

Ignoring Captain Pang's rant, Zhuo Fan walked next to the stove where the few dishes Luo Yunchang made laid. Compared to those at noon, these dishes were almost burned.

Zhuo Fan took a bite and shook his head, "She has no talent whatsoever."

"Sigh, even so, at least show some consideration for her work." Captain Pang rebuked as he walked next to the dishes and tried one, "How hard can it be to swallow?"

He also took a bite and chewed it just once before spitting it right back out.

"You're right, Steward Zhuo, Young miss is inept at cooking. Sorry for blaming you." Captain Pang wiped his mouth and walked out with a red face.

But when he turned back, he saw Zhuo Fan taking one bite after another, and even savoring it.

"Uh, Steward Zhuo, don't force yourself. Ignore what I said. Now that I've also tried Young miss' cooking, it's indeed..." Captain Pang's mouth clamped shut and his face twisted.

"I'm just a bit hungry."

Zhuo Fan smiled as he ate everything...

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Chapter 47, Imperial Family's Invitation

In the morning, a ray of sunshine entered the small courtyard's kitchen.

Luo Yunchang's eyelids trembled as she opened her drowsy eyes. She looked around the kitchen and smiled dejectedly.

Last night, she was so tired after cooking that she fell asleep in the kitchen itself.

Even if anyone caught wind of this, no one would believe it. A Qi Condensation cultivator tiring herself out from cooking? But the truth was she was too fatigued that she would rather pick cultivation instead of cooking.

Just as she was getting up, she froze. Someone had put a plain cover on her and her back wasn't leaning on the hard stove but on something soft instead.

Pursing her lips, she turned her head only to see a sleeping Zhuo Fan leaning on her. And what kept her back soft was his arm.

"Ah..."

Luo Yunchang was about to yelp but she covered her mouth. It never crossed her mind that Zhuo Fan would spend the night with her here.

Blushing, Luo Yunchang observed his face and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. Young miss' red lips were inching ever closer to his face.

"Steward Zhuo, Young miss..."

A sudden rough shout came from Captain Pang. Zhuo Fan's eyelids trembled and were about to open.

Luo Yunchang immediately laid her head back on his shoulder and faked sleeping without budging. Just that her red face betrayed her as if she'd done something she shouldn't.

Zhuo Fan opened his eyes, took a deep breath, and frowned when he saw Captain Pang coming in, "Old Pang, what's the rush?"

"Uh, Brother Zhuo, Young miss..." Captain Pang pointed at Luo Yunchang with shock.

Zhuo Fan turned to see Luo Yunchang's red and shivering face. He touched her forehead, "It's burning up. Did she catch a cold?"

Shaking his head, Zhuo Fan blamed himself.

Last night, he wanted to take Luo Yunchang back to her room, but afraid of waking her up, he chose to watch over her in the kitchen. He didn't think sleep would cast its spell on him too.

"Old Pang, say what you came to say. Meanwhile, I'll take this missy back to her room."

Zhuo Fan carried Luo Yunchang, but Old Pang was panicking, "You can't, brother Zhuo. Someone wants to invite Young miss for a chat. Someone we can't offend."

"What can't offend? She won't be going even if the Veiled Dragon Pavilion asked." Zhuo Fan snapped, "Can't you see she has lost consciousness? She must be sick. Wait for a bit and I'll go see the guest."

"Sigh, brother Zhuo, Steward Zhuo, Young miss must go meet him in person. He bears the Imperial Golden Seal." Captain Pang shouted.

Zhuo Fan stopped.

Only the Imperial family's guards had this seal. Even the seven houses' leaders would have to respond at once or they'd have committed a grave crime. The lightest punishment was death, while the harshest was dragging one's whole clan with him.

Of course, with the Seven Noble Houses' power, the Imperial family would refrain from resorting to such methods. But that didn't apply to a fallen clan like them.

Zhuo Fan squinted and thought it through, "Old Pang, tell him Young miss is unwell and that he should come back tomorrow."

"What?"

Captain Pang's heart jumped in fright.

[That person carries the Emperor's edict. If you do this, it is the same as saying you don't want to talk to him.]

But Zhuo Fan had it thought out. Thinking back to last night, he guessed the one calling him over was that fatty's guard.

The fatty was a good man and wouldn't let emotions cloud his judgment, slaughtering innocents left and right.

"Do what I said, now!" Zhuo Fan raised his voice.

"Wait!"

Luo Yunchang yelled, struggling out of Zhuo Fan's embrace and spoke with a stern face, "Captain Pang, tell him to wait a moment to make myself presentable."

"Understood!"

Captain Pang bowed and secretly rejoiced. [Thank god, Young miss woke up or who knew how much trouble brother Zhuo's arrangement would've stirred up.]

[But this Steward Zhuo sure is dauntless. If I were to follow his words, I'll die of fright.]

Captain Pang shook his head and left.

Zhuo Fan watched Luo Yunchang skeptically. [How did she regain consciousness all of a sudden?]

Luo Yunchang rolled her eyes, "Why are you so reckless? Is the Imperial family someone you can offend?"

To avoid him noticing anything, Luo Yunchang rushed away. Zhuo Fan was left to walk alone to the living room, with doubt in his heart.

He met with the man carrying the seal, a peak Qi Condensation cultivator. He was one of the porters to fatty's palanquin.

"Are you Steward Zhuo? My master is inviting you and Young miss Luo for a talk."

The envoy cupped his hands, but the prideful attitude never left him. And either on purpose or otherwise, the Imperial Golden Seal flashed on his waist. Perhaps he was afraid they'd mistake him for someone other than the Imperial family's guard.

Zhuo Fan snorted, [You're still soft thinking you can fake your arrogance around me. When I was faking it, you were still but an egg in your mother's belly.]

Zhuo Fan didn't even look at him as he slumped in a chair, one leg over the other.

The envoy's eyes swelled with rage.

"Is the fatty's injury healed?" Zhuo Fan asked in passing.

[Fatty?] The man was stunned.

Then it hit him that Zhuo Fan was calling his master fatty. But the number of people in this world who dared to call him that was less than ten.

[Then he and master are...]

His heart started beating a mile a minute and the arrogance was gone from his eyes, "My master did not mention any injury when he returned last night."

"Is that so?"

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow, then laughed, "He must be thinking of his image. I punched him thirty-odd times yesterday and kicked him a dozen times more. There's no way he's fine."

"Don't you think so too? That fatty must be faking it so you guys won't laugh at him, ha-ha-ha..." Zhuo Fan quirked his eyebrows at the man.

The envoy's lips twitched, unable to respond. But he was embarrassed nonetheless.

"Right, was that old goat Fang Qiubai still angry after he arrived?" Zhuo Fan looked at him carefully this time.

But the envoy just shook his head.

Fang Qiubai returned with his master yesterday and only then did they find out about Fang Qiubai's arrival. Since Zhuo Fan knew this before them, it spoke how close he was with his master.

At this point, the envoy stashed the seal in his pants. It worked well in scaring some, but it was best to not make a fool of himself in front of such a Young master like Zhuo Fan.

"Great!"

Seeing the envoy shaking his head, Zhuo Fan rejoiced, "Perhaps you don't know but that old goat wanted to take me as a disciple. If not for my staunch heart and me choosing death over kneeling, the old goat would've taken me away by now. I still thought he was angry and was going to come nag me again. Now that I know he isn't, I can rest easy. That old goat understands my predicament."

"What, Fang Qiubai wanted to take you as a disciple?"

The man shouted as his legs went soft and collapsed.

[Heavens! Who the hell is this Young master? He is a friend that beat up master and also someone wanted as a disciple by Jade Flute Divine Sword Fang Qiubai, who the Emperor shows respect to?]

Zhuo Fan secretly sneered, "What's wrong? Why fall over?"

"Let me help you!" Zhuo Fan said so but showed no intention of moving.

The envoy was sharp enough to get back on his feet while waving his hand, "No need, Steward Zhuo, I don't dare ask you of such a favor. I am not worthy."

"Humph, a servant's instinct!" Zhuo Fan disdained, "You call helping you get up, a favor?"

"Might you be the Emperor's envoy?"

Luo Yunchang, dressed to impress, walked before him and bowed. The envoy rushed to kowtow, "You are making it hard on me. Please don't be so courteous. If master heard I was disrespectful to his friends, he will punish me."

Luo Yunchang was at a loss and turned to Zhuo Fan, who just shrugged.

But Captain Pang, who was behind her, was stunned silly at the sight of the envoy's courteous attitude.

[Where's your previous haughty attitude? Spouting something like if Young miss didn't come to see you in fifteen minutes, you'd be executing all of us. Why the sudden change of tones?]

But even this change was too outrageous and polite.

Captain Pang eyed Zhuo Fan who only sported a puzzling smile.

Old Pang figured Steward Zhuo had something to do with it and gave him a thumbs up.

[Only Steward Zhuo can make an Imperial family's guard kowtow to our Young miss.]

Zhuo Fan dismissed the envoy's courtesy, "Why is that fatty calling me?"

"I-I do not know. I was only ordered to invite Windgaze City's Cai clan, Lei clan and Luo clan." The envoy spoke with extreme politeness.

Zhuo Fan squinted.

[It seems that the Hell Valley targeting the three clans must have something to do with the Imperial family...]

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Chapter 48, Thousand-year-old Secret Edict

In a peaceful location within the forest, a kilometre from Windgaze City, stood a remote courtyard. The four guards posted at the door were Bone Tempering experts.

Zhuo Fan and Luo Yunchang came along with Luo Yunhai and Captain Pang with the envoy as their guide.

"Steward Zhuo, Young miss Luo, please enter!"

The man was very polite. He opened the door, stood to the side and bowed for them to pass. The other guards frowned with doubt and a flicker of scorn in their eyes.

They were Imperial family's guards, always welcomed with bows and courtesy everywhere.

But this guy went to invite some no-name Clan Heads and even bowed down before them. He was seen as a disgrace by his fellow guards.

The man picked up on scorn, but he just smirked.

[How can idiots know the importance these people hold?]

[Steward Zhuo is master's friend, who even Senior Fang Qiubai has his eyes on. He needs to say just one word and he'd be Fang Qiubai's disciple. Even the Emperor will have to show respect then.]

[As for the other three, they're Steward Zhuo's friends. We can't show any disrespect even to them.]

Secretly snorting, the envoy still showed a flattering smile as he guided them inside.

They soon arrived at a garden.

A single pavilion laid in the middle with a stone table inside. Fatty sat in the seat of honor and behind him stood Jade Flute Divine Sword, Fang Qiubai.

On one side of the fatty was Lei Yuntian, with Lei Yuting and Xiao Cui behind him. On the other, it was Cai Rong and his son, Cai Xiaoting.

There were two additional empty stools around the table, for Zhuo Fan and Luo Yunchang.

"This must be a meeting of the three Clan Heads." Zhuo Fan rubbed his nose and took a step back, letting Luo Yunhai take the lead.

"Bro Zhuo..."

Luo Yunhai didn't understand, while Zhuo Fan smiled, "Show them the dignity of a Clan Head, and don't let them look down on you."

Luo Yunhai understood as Luo Yunchang showed a grateful look.

It was clear this meeting was between the three Clan Heads and the Imperial family. But after the events over the past few months, all of Windgaze City knew that Luo clan's true Clan Head was Zhuo Fan.

Even the Imperial family might be considering Zhuo Fan as the master of the Luo clan.

Zhuo Fan did this now so that he did not exceed his authority, and was letting Luo clan come into the light. He wanted to state the fact Luo clan's Clan Head was still named Luo.

"Please, come in."

The envoy saw the 3rd prince and bowed ninety degrees towards Zhuo Fan in a show of respect he had for his master's friend.

But this had a different effect on everyone. The fatty was stunned, [Since when were the Imperial family's guards so humble?]

Cai clan and Lei clan were of the same opinion.

When this guard came to invite them, he was brazen, cocky and flaunting, not carrying in the least who he was talking to. But towards the Luo clan, he treated them like guests.

The two clans felt apprehensive in their hearts, they were even more envious. They were all clans of Windgaze City yet the treatment was worlds apart.

Only Fang Qiubai smiled, guessing Zhuo Fan might have twisted facts to scare the envoy. But this only worked to admire him more.

Under the envoy's polite call, the Luo clan stepped into the pavilion. Luo Yunchang greeted the fatty, "I am Luo Yunchang, greetings, Your Highness!"

On the way here, the envoy told them of his master. The others followed Luo Yunchang in showing respect. But Zhuo Fan just shrugged.

The fatty only waved, not taking Zhuo Fan's disrespect seriously, "Please sit."

Luo Yunchang and her brother took a seat, while Zhuo Fan and Captain Pang stood behind them.

Fatty threw a long look towards Zhuo Fan, secretly nodding. [Great authority, but without any arrogance. He is a loyal subject!]

Fang Qiubai smiled with praise in his eyes.

Zhuo Fan's conduct was etched in the two's hearts. Wielding his martial prowess to protect his master, and courteous enough to defend his master's honor. In the eyes of the Imperial family, he was a rare and valuable official.

The fatty began, "I have invited the three Clan Heads today per the Imperial edict to reveal to you the thousand-years-old relationship between the three clans."

Everyone was focused on fatty's next words.

"The three Clan Heads must have each received an instruction from the previous Clan Head, to not make an enemy out of each other. And perhaps even mentioned about helping one another."

Fatty stood up, "Moreover, the three clan's power must never leave Windgaze City until the pearls shine."

Cai Rong and Lei Yuntian watched the fatty in puzzlement. Luo Yunchang got a nod from her brother and also looked puzzled.

"Ha-ha-ha, in fact, this is an agreement between the founding Imperial family a thousand years ago and the three Clan Heads of that time, known as Secret Pearl Order." Fatty smiled and his eyes flashed, "Cai clan, Luo clan, Lei clan and the Seven Noble Houses are the same, they are all loyal officials, founders of the empire."

"What?"

Like a bomb was thrown on them, the three clan's representatives were shell shocked. They never thought that their origins were the same as the seven houses. But why had they fallen so low that they could only stay in Windgaze City as mortal clans?

The fatty turned a bit bashful, guessing their thoughts, "Sorry, this is what our Yumen clan owes you."

Sighing, fatty continued, "At that time, Tianyu Empire was just established and was shaky, with unrest among its people. The Great Ancestor and founder sent his seven ministers across the kingdom to employ autonomous administration and settle the land. This gave them enough power to make them equal to the Imperial family. They later became the Seven Noble Houses."

"In just twenty years, the seven houses grew exponentially, and their greed ignited a war among them. The Imperial family could no longer keep them in check and had to employ schemes in weakening them. The seven houses were ultimately aware that there will be no winners in their war and ceased fire. But the aftermath was cruel. The people were suffering, the empire was mourning, and it was just one step away from collapsing."

"But how is this connected to us?" Zhuo Fan frowned.

Taking a deep breath, fatty straightened his back, "Everyone, to be honest, your clans are founders of our empire. If your elders were still sitting in the Imperial court, they would be no less famous than the Four Pillars!"

Everyone sucked in a cold breath.

Four Pillars were the support of the Tianyu Empire, leading the military, economy, politics, external affairs... They were the only ones capable of resisting the seven houses.

There was a rumor, the Four Pillars' power was so strong it struck fear in the Imperial family.

Imperial family, Four Pillars and the Seven Noble Houses represented the empire's highest power, but also restricting each other in a delicate balance. If one side tips, the balance would crumble and the empire would fall.

No one could believe that their ancestors were so amazing and capable of becoming the empire's Four Pillars of today.

The fatty lost his smile at this point, "The Great Ancestor at the time set up the Secret Pearl Order with your ancestors to prevent another war from breaking out among the seven houses. The Emperor used all kinds of excuses to demote your ancestors to Windgaze City and become common clans. But the Imperial family could, at any time, combine the three clans into a great clan equal to the rank of the seven houses. This would occur only when war broke out again between the seven houses. Then this new clan would add balance to the equation, to save as many lives as possible."

"But, even if an eighth house were to appear, it cannot stop the seven houses." Luo Yunchang voiced her doubts.

Zhuo Fan cut fatty off with a smile before he could speak, "Young miss, the eighth house's purpose isn't to stop them but to add balance. A war breaks out only when one side has absolute confidence in winning it. But a war in which winning was possible at a heavy cost won't happen unless the two sides hated each other to the bone. Sometimes, when two power starts a conflict, it is very easily solved, since no one wants to suffer irreparable damages."

Luo Yunchang nodded, and the fatty praised Zhuo Fan, "Steward Zhuo is amazing. Luo clan will rise for sure in your capable hands."

Cai Rong's lips twitched from the regret he felt.

If he hadn't offended Zhuo Fan, he might've been able to rope him. This kid was a genius seen once in a thousand years.

"3rd Prince, we know of the relationship between the three clans. What I want to know is, how are you going to secure our rise to the eighth seat." Zhuo Fan stared at the fatty.

Raising his brow, the fatty nodded in admiration, "That's Steward Zhuo for you, hitting the nail on the head."

"Of course, the Imperial family's power is enough to make a clan rise in a short time. The hard part though is how to keep it hidden!" Zhuo Fan smiled, "You think the seven houses would just watch us rise up to their level?"

Cai Rong and Lei Yuntian's backs went cold with sweat.

They were elated that their ancestors had been Imperial court officials. They were thinking, [My clan will receive the Imperial family's support to rise above a common clan.]

But Zhuo Fan brought them down to earth.

Not to mention growing stronger, the seven houses wouldn't even let the new clan grow to their level. They would be destroyed while they were at their weakest.

Cai Rong and Lei Yuntian were grateful for Zhuo Fan's reminder.

The Imperial family wanted the seven houses' power in balance, but the three of them wanted to survive.

Cai Rong had to admire Zhuo Fan's prudent mind...

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Chapter 49, Three Clans as One

After muttering under his breath for a while, the fatty spoke, "This was settled at the moment the secret order was given. What is a clan's foundation? Spirit stones, pills? No, these are support items. Strength is the best guarantee of a powerful clan."

"Veiled Dragon Pavilion has its nine outstanding elders, Hell Valley has its twelve elders as overseers. Each of the seven houses has its own strength. Also, every one of them has invited a Venerable. Along with other secret weapons they're holding, even we, the Imperial family, don't dare stir them."

Fatty's eyes then shined like a radiant sun, "At the time, in order to paralyze the seven houses, Great Ancestor confiscated the wealth of your clans. This is why none of you has any decent cultivation method and martial arts. It was also because of this reason the seven houses withdrew their surveillance on you five hundred years ago."

"Yet none of them would have thought that you all are still holding a low profound ranked martial art." Fatty showed a sneaky smile, "With this martial art all of you can become strong. Even the seven houses only have one or two profound ranked martial arts."

The three clans were amazed.

When did they have such a martial art? If they had it, they'd have used it to grow strong by now.

Only Zhuo Fan's eyes rolled about, recalling something.

With a vague smile, fatty's hand flashed and revealed a green jade slip, "This is a low mortal ranked martial art, Combining Art. By itself, it holds no value, but if you use it along with your clans' spirit ranked martial arts you inherited, you can combine them into a single martial art of the profound rank."

"In other words, Luo clan's Returning Dragon Palm, Cai clan's Wind Kick, and Lei clan's Lightning Finger were originally one single martial art that the Imperial family split among the three clans. And only the Imperial family knew the way to restore it." Zhuo Fan squinted.

Fatty was shocked but then nodded, "Steward Zhuo is wise. There aren't many martial arts which are capable of splitting other martial arts, and the number of martial arts that can restore them are even lesser. I didn't think Steward Zhuo would know of this. If imperial father hadn't mentioned it, I would've never found out."

Zhuo Fan just smiled.

Perhaps because the splitting martial arts were uncommon even at the mortal rank, each sect in the Sacred Domain seized them. They split their core martial arts to prevent degenerate disciples from spreading it. Only the sect leader's disciple had the right to learn the entire set of martial arts.

Zhuo Fan turned to look at Cai clan and Lei clan. They were startled, but their eyes showed deep regret.

Perhaps because they were negligent in safeguarding their inherited martial arts and let the Hell Valley steal them. Especially with regards to Cai clan, who were quick to give it away.

[It must be really eating Cai Rong inside right now!]

"Clan Heads, please take out your inherited martial arts." Fatty placed the jade slip on the table with a smile.

But only Luo Yunchang took out her clan's martial art. After Lei Yuting got to know of Yang Ming's treachery, she gave back the Returning Dragon Palm to Luo Yunchang. But the other clan heads looked at each other in shame.

Fatty frowned as he stared at them.

Sighing, Lei Yuntian cupped his hands, "Your Highness, I was unable to protect my ancestor's martial art from Hell Valley's thieving hands. I accept Your Highness' punishment."

"What?" Fatty slapped the table.

Cai Rong also cupped his hands, "Your Highness... I am the same..."

Fatty's body shivered in rage, "Y-you, just how are you both Clan Heads? Have you forgotten your ancestor's instructions? You should have defended it with your lives."

The two kneeled, "Please forgive us, Your Highness."

Fatty sighed as he scratched his head.

Cai Rong peeked at him, "Your Highness, can't the Imperial family bestow us another profound ranked martial art?"

"Bestow your mom!"

Fatty couldn't hold it in and began raining curses and spitting all over Cai Rong's kneeling figure, "What do you take profound ranked martial arts for, cabbage? Even the Imperial family has only four of them. And they're each registered. If I take one out, everyone will know. How are your clans gonna rise then?"

"You dumb pig, are you tired of living?" Fatty gave Cai Rong a round of slapping then stomped his feet.

Cai Rong curled up and shivered on the ground.

"What now, what now? The Secret Pearl Order is ruined!" Fatty paced around.

Zhuo Fan smirked and two jade slips appeared with a flash in his hand, "3rd Prince, there's no need to worry. I have their clans' martial arts."

"What?"

The two Clan Heads shouted in unison, staring dumbfounded in Zhuo Fan's direction. Cai Rong in particular, having not witnessed Zhuo Fan's prowess, was incredulous at what was happening.

Lei Yuntian gave Zhuo Fan a thankful nod. If not for him, not only Lei clan wouldn't recover, they'd even be executed in a fit of anger by 3rd Prince.

"Ha-ha-ha, Steward Zhuo, you truly are amazing. I see why Elder Jiu of Veiled Dragon Pavilion speaks so highly of you!" Fatty was overjoyed, and ran into Zhuo Fan for a bear hug, "If not for you, I would've failed Imperial Father's task. I owe you one."

Smiling, Zhuo Fan shook his head, "This is all for the Luo clan!"

"Yes, right, for the Luo clan and for me, ha-ha-ha..." Fatty slapped Zhuo Fan's shoulder, then gathered the four jade slips, "Now that we have the martial arts, next is the merger of the three clans. According to the Great Ancestor's Secret Pearl Order, two clans are to merge with the strongest. And the profound ranked martial art will be in the Clan Head's care. As such, you..."

"Your Highness," Cai Rong seemed hyped as he jumped to his feet, "Luo clan has little strength and only four members, and Lei clan is on the verge of collapse, only my Cai clan is flourishing. As such, I will begrudgingly accept this responsibility and support them under my clan's wing. As of now, I will take Lei and Luo clan as Cai clan's disciples and assist the Imperial family in fulfilling the secret edict."

As he finished speaking, Cai Rong reached for the jade slips but a rough hand stopped him. Lei Yuntian glared at him as he asked.

"Cai Rong, how can a Bone Tempering cultivator be enough to act as Clan Head?"

"Humph, so what? Based on strength, my clan is the best." Cai Rong raised his brows.

"Don't be so sure." Lei Yuntian sneered at Cai Rong and looked at Lei Yunting. She showed a proud smile and stepped forward, "Clan Head Cai, in this last month, I gathered all the scattered Blackwind Mountain's men. We have six hundred men, half of them are in Qi Condensation. Based on strength alone, the Cai clan is weaker."

"Ha-ha-ha, so what if you're strong? You're just bandits!"

Cai Xiaoting laughed at her, "Lei clan is but a rabble of thugs! If you take the role of Clan Head, we'll only be the seven houses' laughingstock, never will we be able to reach their level."

"Who are you calling a thug? You want a piece of me?"

"You say you're not, thug granny?"

In an instant, the Lei and Cai clans started fighting for the leader's position. Zhuo Fan was secretly sneering at the side.

[This new clan is just being established, and it was still a question if it could survive. Yet these bunch of idiots are plagued with delusions of grandeur that they could hold their own against the seven houses.]

Fatty and Fang Qiubai mocked the quarrelling clans with their eyes.

Luo Yunchang's face burned in anger. They were fighting against each other while ignoring the Luo clan. It clearly showed that they thought little of her clan.

Although they were but four members, they were still one of the three clans in the edict. But these clans didn't even ask for their opinion!

Bam!

With that loud slap, the two clans stopped and turned to see the brat Luo Yunhai hitting the table.

His face was stern and his eyes were steadfast, unlike his usual childish self. Even Zhuo Fan quirked an eyebrow.

"Why all this fuss?"

Luo Yunhai swept the people with his eyes and spoke with resolve, "In this merger of clans, the only one worthy of the leader position is none other than my Luo clan."

Luo Yunhai's declaration shocked them silly. Cai Xiaoting mocked, "What does a brat know? You're the weakest of us, nothing of worth at all. What gives you the right to lead us?"

Sneering, Luo Yunhai grinned.

Everyone there recognized his look, the spitting image of someone they all knew very well. This made them turn their eyes to Zhuo Fan.

[Hell, Zhuo Fan ruined him!]

Zhuo Fan was quite piqued by this brat.

"Luo clan has no men, money or pills. It only has us four, masters and servants." Luo Yunhai looked at them with sparkling eyes, "But our clan is the strongest because we have Steward Zhuo!"

Luo Yunhai turned to Zhuo Fan with worship in his gaze.

If Luo clan was to have any right to become the head, it would all be thanks to Zhuo Fan. His skills were obvious to anyone there. Even Veiled Dragon Pavilion was certain that if Zhuo Fan stayed with Luo clan, its rise was but a matter of time.

Under the hopeful and worried gazes, especially Luo Yunhai's expectant look, Zhuo Fan shook his head.

[This kid hardly ever shows such great expectations from me. I can't disappoint him now, can I?]

"Humph, Zhuo Fan is a mere steward. How can a person of low status like him be worthy to hold on to all our Cai clan's guards and wealth? Punk, our clan shall be the head, don't... "

Cai Xiaoting mocked but didn't finish as Zhuo Fan slapped the table, revealing the alliance agreement.

Under the puzzlement of others, Zhuo Fan sneered, "This is Luo clan and Veiled Dragon Pavilion's alliance contract."

"What?"

The fatty was so shocked his whole body trembled and was close to falling off his chair. Even the relaxed and uncaring Fang Qiubai behind him narrowed his eyes as he scanned the sheepskin with shock.

Veiled Dragon Pavilion was one of the Seven Noble Houses. The only ones worthy of signing an alliance agreement with them were others from the seven houses, while the rest only had the right to sign a subsidiary agreement. But now...

With a deep look, Fang Qiubai sighed as he asked Zhuo Fan, "Kid, how did you do it?"

"Recognized and valued as a hero!"

He nodded towards Fang Qiubai then turned to the two clans and spoke in a cold tone, "Let me tell you, even if this crappy Secret Pearl Order never existed, as long as I'm here, Luo clan will ultimately rise to the ranks of the seven houses."

"You're of no help to us! On the contrary, you are a burden." Zhuo Fan sneered.

The two other clans lost their voices in shock.

With rosy cheeks, Luo Yunchang raised her chin proudly. Luo Yunhai was grinning from excitement, watching Zhuo Fan with veneration...

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Chapter 50, Merger

Mulling over, the fatty traced his hand on the alliance agreement.

He found Zhuo Fan's strength exceeding his expectations as it was not a simple matter to gain such an alliance agreement. Even if Long Jiu was in favor of him, an elder didn't hold much sway in the Veiled Dragon Pavilion.

Fatty sighed, "Steward Zhuo, I am saddened by seeing you live in such a poor clan. Why don't... you come help me. Just think about it."

To the shock of everyone present, the 3rd Prince expressed his intention in recruiting Zhou Fan. It amazed them that Zhuo Fan was so highly sought after that even the Imperial family was willing to have him.

Luo Yunchang stood up nervously, thinking Zhuo Fan would be snatched away.

Zhuo Fan smiled and shook his head, "3rd Prince, you're overestimating me. Even in the Luo clan, am I not doing my best for the Imperial family?"

Fatty quirked an eyebrow and smiled, "Alright. I'll leave it at that."

He then turned to the rest, "It's decided. The Luo clan will be the leader of the three clans merger. Cai and Lei clans are to assist the Luo clan in fulfilling the Secret Pearl Order."

"Your Highness..."

Cai Xiaoting was disgruntled and wanted to voice his objection, but Cai Rong gripped his arm. He didn't understand the reason but fatty's pin-sized eyes left him shivering from the killing intent.

Secret Pearl Order was a millennium-old secret plan, and it held great importance to the Imperial family. It was understandable that they would only choose the best clan for the position of leader.

If the three clans were equal, the Imperial family would've taken his objection into consideration.

But Zhuo Fan took out the alliance agreement, making all dissent moot. It turned the Luo clan into the best choice in implementing the secret edict for the Imperial family. If even with this, the other clans voiced their discontent, the Imperial family would deal them with a heavy hand.

Just as Zhuo Fan said, the Luo clan had all the power it needed to bring the secret edict to fruition. This, in turn, made the other two clans their vassals. If they felt that being a vassal was unpleasant, the Imperial family would finish them off with a mere swipe.

Cai Xiaoting let the matter drop, yet the discontent never left his face. He could only follow Cai Rong's actions in submitting.

Fatty nodded, then turned to Lei Yuntian to see if he had objections. The old man said, "Your Highness, be at ease. I will give my all in assisting Yunhai and Yunchang. As Cloud Manor fell because of me, I will become a servant to atone for my crimes."

Fatty nodded at his sincerity, "Good, since there are no objections, the three clans shall unite."

"Understood." Everyone bowed, "We shall now withdraw!"

"Steward Zhuo stay for a while."

Zhuo Fan was unclear as to the reason why but remained nonetheless under the departing and curious gazes of the rest.

The fatty let out a breath then rushed to Zhuo Fan and dragged him to an empty place in the garden.

"3rd Prince..." Zhuo Fan frowned.

Fatty waved, "Just follow my lead."

Fatty then pointed two fingers at the sky as he shouted, "I, Tianyu Empire's 3rd Prince, Yuwen Cong, vow to heaven to become sworn brother with Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan. To share life and death together and never betray him!"

"Your turn!" Fatty watched Zhuo Fan impatiently.

Zhuo Fan was confused, but becoming sworn brothers with 3rd Prince had to be a good thing so he went along, "I, Luo clan's steward, Zhuo Fan, vow to Heaven to become sworn brother with Tianyu Empire's 3rd Prince, Yuwen Cong. If he doesn't betray me, I won't either!"

Fatty muttered when he heard the last part, "Brother, you sure are meticulous."

"Fatty, it's not that I don't trust you, but the pugilistic world is too vicious." Zhuo Fan shrugged, not having any restraint in calling him fatty. Since no one was here, the fatty himself wouldn't blow a gasket over this.

[Plus, this kid needs me to complete the secret edict.]

Zhuo Fan was perfectly clear when to be fierce and when to be scared.

Just as he foresaw, the fatty nodded instead of getting angry, "Call me how you like it. I feel much better since we are sworn brothers now."

Zhuo Fan looked at him in puzzlement.

Fatty sighed, "Do you remember our bet from yesterday? The winner gets to have Sister Kui. I lost the bet but I still can't let it go. So I decided to become sworn brothers with you. This way I won't go after my brother's wife and it would help me forget about Sister Kui too."

Zhuo Fan rose an eyebrow, incredulous that the fatty wanted to become sworn brothers over this, "Fatty, there's nothing between me and that girl. She was just making excuses."

"What, is that true?" Fatty even jumped ten meters in joy, "Then can I still chase her?"

Nodding, Zhuo Fan showed a vague smile, "Go, go, annoy the little lass to death!"

"Awesome, brother. You are indeed my sworn brother, ha-ha-ha..." Fatty was skipping and whooping in joy. Now that the bet was off, he could chase Long Kui to his heart's content.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Fatty, what does the Secret Pearl Order truly say?"

The fatty dropped his smile, watching Zhuo Fan with embarrassment, "Brother, didn't I say it already?"

"This plan is very delicate, and even the goal is fair, but," Zhuo Fan squinted, "It lacks ambition. So much so that an Emperor of a founding empire would never come up with it."

The Great Ancestor showed great ambition when he established the empire. Zhuo Fan wasn't gullible enough to believe the secret millennium order was limited to restricting the seven houses and maintaining a balance of power.

Fatty shook his head, "I do not know either. This was what I've been told."

Zhuo Fan stared him down but discovered nothing else. Maybe he knew nothing, or maybe his acting was top notch.

"Then how did Hell Valley catch wind of this thousand-year-old secret edict?" Zhuo Fan smiled, "All of Hell Valley's actions were against the secret edict while looking innocent doing it. They were afraid of the Imperial family's investigation."

Fatty frowned, "Reason points to the contrary, but there are many spies in the Imperial Capital, the information about secret edict might have leaked."

"It remained hidden for a thousand years and only now it gets leaked?" Zhuo Fan frowned, "Maybe leaking it is part of the secret edict's contents?"

The fatty shivered and went wide-eyed.

Zhuo Fan smirked, [It's clear now.]

"Never mind, it works in Luo clan's benefit anyway. So there's no need to poke my nose in it. There's no need to worry over nothing, ha-ha-ha..."

Zhuo Fan waved as he left, "Fatty, I'll be going. We'll meet again if we get the chance!"

A voice rang in fatty's ear as Zhuo Fan's figure distanced.

"This kid is perhaps too sharp... scary even!"

Whoosh!

It was Fang Qiubai in his blue robe.

Fang Qiubai muttered, "The more I watch him the more he resembles someone!"

"Who?" Fatty asked.

Fang Qiubai's eyes flashed, "Zhuge Changfeng!"

"The Leader of Four Pillars, Prime Minister Zhuge Changfeng?" Fatty was in shock, "Are you saying Zhuo Fan..."

Nodding, Fang Qiubai smiled, "Cong'er, becoming sworn brothers with him was the best decision you made in your life. One day, he will become one of your Four Pillars, helping you rule!"

The fatty was stunned, watching Zhuo Fan getting further away as ambition flickered in his eyes...

Zhuo Fan returned to the small courtyard and saw the others waiting outside.

"What's wrong? Did 3rd Prince say something?" Luo Yunchang was worried. He refused Veiled Dragon Pavilion's invitation but this was the Imperial family.

With just a nod, he could become an official with the support of the Imperial family.

Secretly smiling, Zhuo Fan said, "Fatty told me to do my best in fulfilling the secret edict."

Luo Yunchang covered Zhuo Fan's mouth then looked around before saying, "How can you call 3rd Prince like that? Be careful or he might take your life!"

"He won't. He still needs me!"

Zhuo Fan dismissed her worry and even gave a thumbs up to Luo Yunhai, "Your performance was perfect, worthy of a Clan Head. You made me proud."

"Please, didn't I learn it all from bro?"Luo Yunhai stuck up his chin. It was clear the bro he referred to was Zhuo Fan.

Everyone laughed and Luo Yunchang showed a relieved smile.

[Dad, can you see? Yunhai has grown up. He can shoulder the honor and glory of the Luo clan!] Luo Yunchang looked at the sky with sparkling eyes.

On the second day after the meeting, the new clan was established with Luo clan at the helm. The name was, of course, Luo clan. Zhuo Fan, with the Imperial family's support, had no trouble becoming the Head Steward of the clan, handling all affairs.

He appointed Lei Yuntian as Luo clan's Grand Elder and Cai Rong as the 2nd Elder while keeping Old Pang as the Captain of the guards, leading the Cai clan's guards. Lei Yuting was made the leader of the shadow corps, taking Blackwind Mountain's bandits under her, and in charge of intelligence gathering and training assassins.

Because of the Imperial family's decree, the Veiled Dragon Pavilion and Hell Valley were banned from entering the Windgaze City. The rest of the seven houses remained within their borders, thus making this city belong to the Luo clan alone.

As for the Luo clan's estate, Cai clan suggested for it to be the former Cai Manor, but Zhuo Fan had other plans.

Blackwind Mountain, the place where a natural array took form!

And so, another Devil Mountain was established, and Zhuo Fan's plans advanced one step at a time...

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Chapter 51, Four Pillars' Leader

The slums in the Imperial Capital were the darkest corners of the empire. Seedy, good, devious, and all other kinds of people mixed in here, along with the downed shacks painted a perfectly wretched image. Any self-respecting man who had some money on the side would never choose to live here.

Only those living from one day to the next and the truly poor stayed here, waiting for the day that would rob them of their lives.

Yet in the worst corner of the slums was a courtyard the people feared to the point of being afraid to step through its doors. Even if the vilest and most sinister man was to wander by happenstance here, he would be warned to leave this house be.

This courtyard was unoccupied, but at night, there were eerie whispers coming from it. Some braved to investigate, but it was as if their traces in this world vanished the moment they stepped foot inside.

Recently, some Bone Tempering and even a Profound Heaven expert charged in, fearing no evil.

Afterwards, well, there was no news. They were gone all the same. From that moment, the courtyard became a taboo, avoided by the strong and weak alike.

On a full moon night, when the slums had turned unusually quiet. The people had gone home earlier and as far away from the demonic courtyard as possible.

But it was then that a faint lantern lit up in the courtyard. It was akin to ghost fire, flickering on and off.

In a ruined room of the courtyard, an elderly with white temples sat in a pleased manner on a tutor's chair, waving a goose feathered fan. His half-lidded eyes flashed here and there, and his mouth was twisted at the corners. It was as if the world's suffering and happiness were beneath him.

Two old men stood behind, one with black hair and the other with white hair. Their eyes were closed but their powerful auras identified them as experts, preventing any living creature from approaching a hundred meters around them.

Even a harmless beetle would find its tiny heart wreaked with fear.

Whoosh!

A sound broke the silence and a black-clothed man suddenly appeared outside the room. He had a bamboo hat that hid his features.

The sitting old man stopped fanning and smiled, "Valley Lord You, how is it progressing?"

The bamboo wearing man was Hell Valley's Valley Lord, You Wanshan!

Sighing, You Wanshan shook his head, "A dozen years of painstaking effort was ruined. The Emperor ordered for Hell Valley to stay away from Windgaze City. The same goes for the other houses. He must have sensed something."

"Oh." The old man raised an eyebrow with a smile, "The Emperor is planning on enacting the Secret Pearl Order?"

"My guess is yes."

You Wanshan's face grew angry, "They got luck on their side last time, but next time, it won't be so simple. Emperor wants to raise the 8th house, but we shall see if the clan can live to see that day!"

"Ha-ha-ha, Valley Lord You, ease your anger. A loss is a loss. Why make excuses?" The old man was still calm, yet his words were sharp and filled with disdain, "Hell Valley is one of the Seven Noble Houses, yet it can't even deal with three common clans. The time of its fall must be close at hand."

You Wanshan snapped, his power exploding. Peak Profound Heaven cultivation smashed the windows to splinters. He unleashed all of it to pressure the old man.

"Zhuge Changfeng, you were the one who told me of the contents of the Secret Pearl Order. It was also you who said the Emperor wants to help in the rise of the 8th house. The dozen years plan also came from you. So how can you speak like this?"

You Wanshan bellowed, "Go to hell!"

The smile never left the old man's face, still sitting calmly and fanning slowly.

Boom!

Just when the pressure was drawing near Zhuge Changfeng, the black and white elders behind him opened their eyes.

At that moment, one's eyes flashed black while the other's flashed white. A ripple echoed outwards and clashed with You Wanshan's display of power, creating a jarring sound.

The entire slums shook.

You Wanshan's felt a sweetness in his throat and spat blood as his face paled.

The two elders closed their eyes again, while Zhuge Changfeng swayed the fan like nothing had happened, still sporting that ever-present smile.

You Wanshan watched the black and white elders incredulously, "Yin Yang Elders?"

Zhuge Changfeng nodded, "Valley Lord You sure is knowledgeable. These seniors haven't shown up over the past century. I find it amazing that you still recognize them."

Grinding his teeth in anger, You Wanshan panted while also spitting blood now and then, but the look he had when he turned to the elders was now one of fear.

"You are worthy of being Tianyu's number one sage, Four Pillars's Leader, Prime Minister Zhuge. To be able to make these monsters leave their mountain, not even that Fang Qiubai from the Divine Dragons can compare to you."

"Ha-ha-ha, Valley Lord You is exaggerating. I am not worthy of such a title. I do not dare face the Imperial family in the open just yet." Zhuge Changfeng let out a short laugh, but the confidence he exuded was unshakable.

You Wanshan snorted and muttered, "Prime Minister Zhuge is as modest as he is arrogant. Who in the Tianyu Empire can match your power? Not even the Imperial family can!"

"Sigh, I can see why you failed in Windgaze City. In this world, strength and weakness aren't obvious at a glance!" Zhuge Changfeng sighed as he looked at the sky, "Furthermore, I am not the number one sage in Tianyu."

"If not you, then who?"

"That person above me!" Zhuge Changfeng pointed upward with a grave expression.

You Wanshan disdained, "You're talking about that senile Emperor?"

"Senile?"

Zhuge Changfeng chuckled, "I've been a Prime Minister in the Imperial court for forty years now, and I still can't read him."

"Valley Lord You, go back. Make sure to not cause any further trouble!"

Zhuge Changfeng swayed his fan as his countenance went back to normal, "Be careful to not give that old man the perfect chance to remove you for good!"

"Humph, the Imperial family's power is hardly enough to deal with my Hell Valley." You Wanshan grinned, but when he saw the cold look in Zhuge Changfeng's eye, he didn't continue. He just cupped his hands and vanished in the night.

After You Wanshan left, Zhuge Changfeng took a deep breath and looked to the heavens.

"Your Majesty, what is your plan? What is the Secret Pearl Order?"

Three months later, in the Misty Forest at the foot of Blackwind Mountain.

Zhuo Fan stood near a frigid blood pool, holding a gourd. His hands performed signs and red dots flew from the pool into the gourd.

A smile tugged at Zhuo Fan's face as he watched the wiggling red dots.

This blood pond was something Zhuo Fan made to raise the Frigid Pool Snow Worm. Though, its name should more aptly be Frigid Pool Bloodworm.

Zhuo Fan used a secret art from the Nine Serenities Secret Records to train this particular demonic creature. So it not only retained the parasitic ability of the Frigid Pool Snow Worm but it also connected to Zhuo Fan through telepathy. It could now work in tandem with him in performing a secret and evil magic art from the Nine Serenities Secret Records, the Blood Curse.

The Blood Curse was a demonic cultivator's way of controlling his men. Once he put the Blood Curse on someone, they had to obey him for life. If not, the Blood Curse would flare up and the victim would die of blood explosion, a cruel and savage ending.

But the Blood Curse had a fatal flaw. If the target was stronger than the caster, the later would be devoured. This wasn't anything good for Zhuo Fan.

But now that Zhuo Fan had the Bloodworm, this flaw could be eliminated. Since the Bloodworm lived in the target's body, they would never be able to remove the Blood Curse.

With this special demonic creature, Zhuo Fan would be in control of a large group of experts to assist him.

If anyone heard of this, they'd come to kill Zhuo Fan themselves, even Radiant Stage experts. This demonic creature was an abomination, an affront to Heaven.

Any listener would shiver hearing one could make any expert into a slave.

With a maniac grin on his face, Zhuo Fan took the gourd filled with Bloodworms and left Misty Forest. He performed a hand sign and the forest's fog turned bloody, barring any entry.

This was his rearing grounds. Why would he ever let another find it?

Stashing the gourd in his ring, Zhuo Fan returned to Blackwind Mountain. On his way, he paid attention to every grass, every tree to make sure all was in order.

Over the past three months, besides the Imperial family sending thousands of spirit stones and hundreds of pills, the Veiled Dragon Pavilion also sent two thousand spirit stones.

He had enough spirit stones on hand that he could flaunt his array grandmaster's skills. Plus with the natural array here, he could still set up some decent defensive array even without such an amount of spirit stones.

To the East of Blackwind Mountain was the Azure Dragon position under the wood attribute. It was a place filled with vitality. As such, Zhuo Fan set up a 5th-grade array, Poison Dragon Array. Poisonous thickets grew inside the array and the miasma above them would never scatter. Even a Profound Heaven expert would find it hard to escape with his life.

To the West was the White Tiger position under the metal attribute. It was a place filled with sharp and overgrown plants. Zhuo Fan set up a 5th-grade array, Dazzling Gold Array. Nine suns shined brightly within the array in every direction that no one could walk with their eyes open. Each ray of golden light was like a sharp sword, capable of robbing people of their lives, yet incorporeal.

To the South was the Vermilion Bird position of the fire attribute, filled with burning Qi. Zhuo Fan set the 5th-grade array, Blackflame Array. The fires within it were demonic flames that corroded bones. When it entered one's body, it would be hard to remove, and it wouldn't stop gnawing until the target was burned to ashes.

To the North was the Black Tortoise position of the water attribute, a place filled with piercing chills. Zhuo Fan set up the 5th-grade array, Ice Shadows Array. Howling winds blew within the array's territory, forming endless illusions. Anyone who entered it would lose their way easily and freeze to death under the bone-piercing coldness that seeped into the victim's body.

Zhuo Fan didn't tell anyone about the four new arrays. But since today was the day of his departure, he had to give the arrays' method of control to those he trusted...

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Chapter 52, Departure

"Young miss, come with me."

Zhuo Fan beckoned Luo Yunchang. She was unclear as to the reason, but she followed nonetheless. She was filled with glee as she saw so many things brought from the Imperial family over the past few days.

Especially with two elders standing watch, Luo clan was becoming stronger day by day. She was so moved that she was lost for words. It got so far that she even let Zhuo Fan's disappearance for these past three months slide.

"Steward Zhuo, is there something?"

Luo Yunchang smiled as they entered a small room. Zhuo Fan closed the windows and doors without replying. Her thoughts started going in a particular direction and her face flushed.

"Zhuo Fan, w-what are you trying to do?" Luo Yunchang was bashful.

Taking a deep breath, Zhuo Fan began, "I'm leaving!"

"What?"

Luo Yunchang stood there in shock. She had a face of complete disbelief, wondering if she had heard him wrongly. Only when Zhuo Fan repeated was she certain.

"Why, Luo clan is growing and is already the number one clan in Windgaze City. Why do you want to leave?"

"For Luo clan's safety!"

Zhuo Fan's tone was grave, "Luo clan is safe, for now. And there's no other clan around to mess with it. But remember what we had to do in exchange for all this."

"We accepted the Imperial family's vague Secret Pearl Order and offended the Seven Noble Houses' Hell Valley. As for Veiled Dragon Pavilion, if we do not rise to the level of the seven houses, they will change their stance with us!"

"Then we need you even more. What will we do without you?" Luo Yunchang teared up, her heart was unwilling to let him go. In a blink, a glittering tear fell.

Wiping her tears away with a gentle touch, Zhuo Fan said, "Fatty was right about one thing, a clan's foundation is strength. I am leaving now to bring back experts for the Luo clan, to protect our future."

"This is the control method of the four arrays around Blackwind Mountain. Only you must use it. If I'm not back in time, you can activate the arrays to deal with any trouble that arises. These are four 5th-grade arrays, plus the Wraith Array in the Misty Forest, it should defend you for a good while."

Zhuo Fan gave a jade slip to Luo Yunchang, who accepted it in tears. She asked softly, "How long will you be gone?"

Sighing, Zhuo Fan shook his head, "I don't know. But I'll be back as soon as I can."

He wasn't leaving just to recruit experts, but also to search for the Heavenly Emperor's remnant Long Jiu talked about, Lightning Canyon. At any given time, raising one's power was the most basic way to guarantee one's safety.

"Alright, go now. Send Captain Pang and Yunhai in."

Nodding, Luo Yunchang left but stopped to kiss Zhuo Fan. He froze for a moment and watched her leave with a deep look.

Luo Yunchang blushed but didn't turn around as she mumbled, "Come back soon."

When the words came, she was already gone.

Not a moment later, Captain Pang brought Luo Yunhai over. Even they were shocked that Zhuo Fan was leaving.

"Silly kid, you're the only man of the Luo clan. Your sister will have to rely on you in the future. You must act like a true Clan Head who bears the Luo clan's responsibilities." Zhuo Fan patted Yunhai's shoulder.

Luo Yunhai nodded while sobbing.

Turning to Captain Pang, Zhuo Fan's hand flashed and revealed a jade slip. But when Captain Pang was about to take it, Zhuo Fan clenched his fist.

Captain Pang looked at him in doubt.

Zhuo Fan stared hard at him, "Pang Yu, do you remember what Long Kui said? She is right, with your talent, you'll only be a Qi Condensation cultivator at best."

Captain Pang's face darkened, his hand shivered and withdrew a bit.

"But," Zhuo Fan's tone turned grave, "Nothing is set in stone. I have on me a way to change your body anew, to gain incredible power. But the terror you will experience would be worse than death and the pain unimaginable. Are you willing?"

Captain Pang was stunned, then he was overjoyed.

"Truly?"

Nodding, Zhuo Fan raised the jade slip, "This is a mid profound ranked demonic method, Wraith Art! It is unlike other cultivation methods. It is a cultivation method for the body, ignoring one's talent for cultivation or his constitution. Just that cultivating it will make your life a living hell. It's no different from being boiled alive. And once you start, you can never stop or your soul will perish!"

Captain Pang licked his dry lips, yet he wasn't afraid, his eyes only held excitement.

"No worries. As long as I can become strong, no torment shall best Old Pang." Captain Pang snatched the jade slip as he shouted.

Zhuo Fan reminded him, "The horrors you will experience from cultivating it aren't something you can fathom. Maybe you will be under such a pain that your mind will collapse and die in the end. This is a mid profound ranked cultivation method, matching a high profound ranked cultivation method, but with the process being so excruciating, many great demonic cultivators never even dared to touch it. Choose wisely!"

Waving his hand, Captain Pang's eyes flickered.

"Brother Zhuo, Old Pang's only torment in this life was to see Clan Head die before me and unable to stop it. Now, my greatest wish is to protect Young miss and Young master."

Captain Pang looked gratefully, "Brother Zhuo, thank you for giving me this chance to have no more regrets."

Zhuo Fan's heart shivered as he nodded. His eyes held respect.

"The next time we see each other, I hope to see a powerful Old Pang and not a corpse!"

"Ha-ha-ha, no worries. I am stubborn, not one to die from just this!" Captain Pang laughed and squeezed Zhuo Fan in a bear hug with moist eyes.

"Brother, come back soon. Luo clan won't be the same without you!"

Patting Zhuo Fan's shoulder, Captain Pang left with Luo Yunhai. Per Zhuo Fan's instructions, Lei Yuting came soon after.

"Miss Lei, how is the task I gave you?" Zhuo Fan smiled.

Lei Yuting blushed with a nod, "Brother Zhuo, the six hundred ten-year-old children you asked me to gather are almost here. They all are high talents and await your teachings."

Zhuo Fan eyed her then nodded, "How did you know that I wanted to teach them?"

Lei Yuting spoke with confidence, "I know you too well to believe that you helped those orphans out of the goodness of your heart. So I guessed you wanted to train them as Luo clan's guards and make me their leader."

At her words, Zhuo Fan recalled something and sighed.

[Goodness? I once raised an orphan out of kindness and look where it got me. Didn't he betray me in the end?]

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed coldly at that point, scaring Lei Yuting.

"Miss Lei." Zhuo Fan held a jade slip, "This is a mid spirit ranked cultivation method, Elusive Shadow Art. Cultivate it and then give it to those you trust to form the shadow corps, protecting the clan in the dark. Begin with the six hundred children the same way I taught you."

"Use the worst of them as guards, the average for the shadow corps, and hand the best among them over to Captain Pang to train them in secret. Pass him my word, he'll understand."

Lei Yuting took the jade slip with a blank look, then stared at Zhuo Fan, her heart uneasy, "Why not do it yourself?"

"I'm leaving."

"What?" Lei Yuting asked, "Why?"

Zhuo Fan was forced to retell his reasons. Lei Yuting nodded, but before she went out the door, she pecked Zhuo Fan's cheek.

He was floored, watching her dash away in a blink.

[What is going on? Do all women like to peck?]

Next was Lei Yuntian's turn. Zhuo Fan explained to him his affairs and Lei Yuntian took his instructions to heart in an honest manner.

Although he was the Grand Elder, he was clear Zhuo Fan controlled everything.

"Elder Lei!"

Zhuo Fan took out another jade slip, "This is the profound ranked martial art I recorded after merging the three clans' martial arts, Thunderwind Sweeping Dragon Art! Since this is part of the Imperial family's Secret Pearls Order, this will be the Luo clan's best martial art on the surface. As the Grand Elder, you need to be diligent in practicing it."

Lei Yuntian raised an eyebrow but nodded.

Zhuo Fan put an emphasis on the words 'on the surface', making it clear he had other high ranked martial arts that the Imperial family was unaware of, his secret weapons.

A day may come when the Imperial family might discover that the 8th house they raised was out of their control. But at that time, it would already be too late.

Zhuo Fan was young, but his wisdom and shrewdness drew the old man's admiration.

"Rest assured, Steward Zhuo, I will be the best Grand Elder there is." Lei Yuntian laughed, reaching an understanding with Zhuo Fan.

Even without Zhuo Fan's reminder, he was clear what it meant to stand close to a ruler, and that the Imperial family wasn't to be trusted. But Zhuo Fan gave this old man the nerve to tangle with this behemoth.

"Right, Steward Zhuo, what of Cai clan's father and son?"

Lei Yuntian frowned, "Its already been three months since the merger of the three clans, but I still feel that the Cai clan is of a different thought, always acting suspiciously. The Blackwind Mountain's guards have people from the Cai Manor. I fear..."

"Let them!"

Zhuo Fan waved with a smile, "The Cai clan is part of the Secret Pearl Order. If we deal with them, we'll earn the Imperial family's ire. But if they betray us first, he-he-he..."

Lei Yuntian's eyes flashed with a nod, "You're amazing, Steward Zhuo, to plan so far ahead."

Zhuo Fan squinted as killing intent filled his eyes.

On the morning of the second day, Zhuo Fan left Blackwind Mountain all by himself. On the mountain peak, Luo Yunchang, Lei Yuting and Lei Yuntian along with other Luo clan members watched him leave. All except Cai clan's duo.

But in the forest halfway up the mountain, Cai Rong and his son watched Zhuo Fan's retreating figure with cold eyes.

"Humph, without this wretched punk, Luo clan will fall from grace." Cai Xiaoting snorted, "That stinky girl, Luo Yunchang, made eyes with Zhuo Fan every single day, not sparing me even a glance. With Zhuo Fan gone, Blackwind Mountain is ours. Let's see her act haughty now!"

"Sigh, one must give credit to Zhuo Fan for his rare talent. He has Veiled Dragon Pavilion on his left and 3rd Prince on his right, while he himself has the power to shake the three clans. All of Blackwind Mountain knows the true Clan Head of this merged clan is him."

Cai Rong shook his head, "The most unfortunate thing is that he chose to be against us. Since he is leaving, we might as well take everything back."

"Dad, what do we do?" Cai Xiaoting asked.

Shaking his head, Cai Rong said, "Don't be hasty. With Zhuo Fan gone, the Luo clan is nothing. The Lei clan is our true enemy. We need to ally ourselves and become stronger than the Lei clan..."

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Chapter 53, Allbeast Mountain Range

In the shadow of a large forest, a black-robed figure stood on the precipice of a mountain. His eyes took in the view of a large city gate with three golden words inscribed on it, Blue Expanse City.

Raising the corner of his mouth, the black-robed man left as the wind scattered two piles of black dust.

Fifteen minutes later, the man arrived before the city gates.

"Hold, where's your pass?"

With a clank, two city guards crossed their spears before the man as they released their 6th layer Qi Condensation cultivation.

Taking out a metal tablet with the 'serene' character inscribed on it, the black-robed man let them see it. The guards nodded and let him pass.

"Enter!"

The black-robed man quickened his pace but after a hundred meters, he turned his head at the guards, eyeing them with disdain.

"Utterly useless!"

The man raised his head and exposed his face. It was Zhuo Fan.

It had been a month since he left Luo clan, and this city was his first destination, Blue Expanse City. This place was Hell Valley's domain. Just how Veiled Dragon Pavilion placed its guards in the Windgaze City, so did Hell Valley in this city.

To avoid anyone recognizing him, Zhuo Fan put on a black robe.

He braved through this deadly danger because he was left with no other choice. Who told the spiritual beasts to gather on the Allbeast Mountain Range near the Blue Expanse City?

This was also why the security was so tight in this city.

Be it righteous or demonic cultivators, there were other external means to increase one's power besides the hard and arduous method of cultivation. Spiritual weapons, demonic treasures, spirit animals, demonic creatures, these were all external means but of significant importance. At the time of peril, it could save one's life.

The late elder of Hell Valley was a good example. Condor Jian Fan's Soul Devouring Crow had the Purple Lightning Gold Eye and could push back Veiled Dragon Pavilion's three elders' joint attack.

Long Jiu's 3rd-grade spiritual weapon was another, helping him push back two Hell Valley's elders with just a sword.

It was obvious how important these external means were to cultivators.

Spiritual beasts could be turned into demonic creatures or spirit animals. Righteous cultivators tamed them into spirit animals, while demonic cultivators tamed them into demonic creatures. Zhuo Fan's Blood Infant which was born naturally was an exception.

The Blue Expanse City was taken by Hell Valley during the founding of the Tianyu Empire. As such, any cultivator wanting to get his spirit animal or demonic creature would have to obtain Hell Valley's approval.

And Hell Valley used this as a pretext to set up a checkpoint half a mile around it to confirm everyone's identities, allowing entry to only those with a pass.

But how could Zhuo Fan expose himself and offer himself up on a chopping block?

So he killed two righteous cultivators outside, stole their pass, and waltzed right in.

"Humph, Hell Valley can only intimidate some shy disciples with this. You think this is enough to deal with a bold cultivator or a Profound Heaven expert?" Zhuo Fan's mouth let out snide remarks as he walked on.

He came all this way to Allbeast Mountain Range looking for a rare 6th level spiritual beast, Thunder Skylark!

Entering Lightning Canyon could only be done through the purple lightning. Zhuo Fan was certain Long Jiu's 3rd Heaven purple lightning wasn't the same as the lightning from that place, or it would've reached the 6th Heaven.

That kind of power was a deterrence even for a Radiant Stage expert.

So before he cleared Lightning Canyon's restrictions, he had to first find a way to guarantee his life in that place. And the Thunder Skylark, a creature that lived by swallowing lightning, was a perfect choice.

When he'd made it his demonic creature that matched the Demon Transformation Art, he'd have no trouble getting in.

Zhuo Fan hoped Lightning Canyon's purple lightning wasn't higher than 6th Heaven, or not even the Thunder Skylark would survive repeated blows to its body and turn to ash.

If that happens, then he'd only be waiting for his death.

Zhuo Fan took a deep breath and picked up the pace. If not for Heavenly Emperor's remnant, he'd never dare go through such danger.

Bam!

As he walked, a black figure knocked into his chest. Zhuo Fan looked down to find a little beggar in shabby clothes.

Zhuo Fan was enraged, but before he could curse, here came the little beggar's pleading voice, "Please, don't shout!"

Zhuo Fan frowned. Then, from his back, a group of thirty Qi Condensation cultivators appeared.

Because the beggar hid in front of Zhuo Fan, his black cloak was wide enough to hide the beggar.

"Any sign of him?"

"None!"

"What are you standing around for? Find him! If we don't find him, master will have our heads." A steward cursed. The others only nodded as they scattered.

Once they were gone, the beggar looked up with a relieved breath and patted his chest, "Scared me to death. I didn't think I'd make it."

Zhuo Fan ignored him and walked away.

"Eh, brother..."

The beggar was stunned for a second then swooped in to block Zhuo Fan's path. He had a dark and dirty face but sported an extra big smile as he said, "Thank you for earlier. If it weren't for you..."

But Zhuo Fan kept walking.

The beggar stood there blinking then hurriedly caught up with Zhuo Fan, "Brother, did you come from outside the city? Can you take me outside, please?"

"If you want to leave, do it alone. You don't need a pass to go out!" Zhuo Fan dodged him.

The little beggar's face was bitter as he bit his lip and sniffed twice as tears rolled down his cheeks, "Brother, to be honest, I stole from them. If they catch me, I'm a goner. Please, take me outside."

Smiling, Zhuo Fan eyed him, "Around fifteen-sixteen years old and a 4th layer Qi Condensation cultivator. You're not weak for your age. There's no way a commoner can have such cultivation. Are you truly a beggar?"

The beggar stopped crying and his eyes darted everywhere as if looking for an excuse.

Zhuo Fan continued with a smile, "And even if you're sincere, why should I help you and offend a powerful clan? I see no reason why I need to help you!"

Zhuo Fan then shook his head and walked past him. The beggar stood frozen in his spot, not knowing what to do. He didn't think Zhuo Fan was pragmatic.

From the start, the beggar thought Zhuo Fan to be a kind youth since he helped him once.

"Don't you want to go to the Allbeast Mountain Range?" The beggar shouted.

Zhuo Fan halted his steps, "All who come here are looking to go to the Allbeast Mountain Range. What else is here, visiting Hell Valley's cemetery?"

The beggar was stunned by his words, [This kid sure has an attitude. Isn't he afraid of being killed for cursing Hell Valley?]

But the more Zhuo Fan acted as such, the weirder the beggar's eyes turned.

"You'll have to wait for three months before going to Allbeast Mountain Range."

Zhuo Fan stopped with a frown, "Why?"

The beggar skipped to him with a smile, "Let me tell you, the Diamond Sand is about to come out on Allbeast Mountain Range. These past months Hell Valley sealed the whole mountain range for this precise reason."

Diamond Sand?

Zhuo Fan was secretly overjoyed.

The Diamond Sand was known as the blood of the earth, rare and difficult to obtain. It was used for refining 5th-grade spiritual weapons. But what made it even more valuable was that it was a flowing spirit metal, a perfect match for his Blood Infant.

His Blood Infant was close to breaking through to Bone Tempering Stage and he needed to refine its body. At that time, Blood Infant could switch between being corporeal and illusive, killing people without leaving tracks. Refining it with a hundred spirit metals would turn it as hard as a demonic treasure and it would become difficult to cause any harm to it.

He could also achieve a similar result by refining Blood Infant with Diamond Sand. If he was able to do it, then he wouldn't have to worry about obtaining 100 spirit metals. And with a body refined from Diamond Sand, facing a Profound Heaven expert would be a cinch.

Thinking of this, Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed with excitement.

The beggar saw through Zhuo Fan and coughed as he raised his head with pride, "Let's make a deal. If you take me outside the city, I will take you to Allbeast Mountain Range. And when the Diamond Sand erupts, we can take advantage of their carelessness and steal a bit."

Zhuo Fan secretly snickered. There was no way Hell Valley didn't prepare for this. But the fact that he had a guide to enter Allbeast Mountain Range without them knowing was a nice bonus.

"Deal!"

The beggar raised his hand and winked.

Zhuo Fan shook his head and slapped the beggar's hand.

"Ha-ha-ha, awesome. I finally found someone to take me out of this damnable place." The beggar laughed while jumping around. "Brother, what's your name?"

"Zhuo Fan!"

Zhuo Fan was blunt because he knew even though Hell Valley was aware of the Luo clan, his title as a steward wasn't well known. And the only one who knows that he killed two of their elders was Yang Ming. But would anyone believe him even if he said it?

Zhuo Fan was confident that Yang Ming would let this matter fester inside him. If anyone knew that Elder Jian died at the hands of a Qi Condensation punk, yet he survived, his future would be bleak, if not cut short.

Moreover, even if he did speak up, Hell Valley would never announce it. Could they afford to lose any more reputation?

The beggar laughed, "Brother Zhuo, call me Xiao Ning."

"Fine." Zhuo Fan nodded, not carrying much because he knew it was fake.

The beggar pouted, looking at him with a deep look full of curiosity. Zhuo Fan gave him a different impression from all those he had seen before, simply mysterious...

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Chapter 54, He's With Me

"Ning'er!"

Just when the little beggar was about to take Zhuo Fan to Allbeast Mountain Range, a yell echoed in their ears. Little beggar shivered, turning his head shyly.

With slow footsteps, what appeared before the two was an elegant young master in white with tied hair. He was in front of 20 Qi Condensation experts donning the same clothes as the ones from the previous group.

The young master ignored Zhuo Fan and glared at the beggar with rage, "You've caused enough trouble. It's time you return."

Biting his lip, the beggar's eyes looked uncertain, but soon he came to a decision and stared back with a firm gaze. He dodged behind Zhuo Fan with a yell, "Brother Zhuo, save me."

The young master finally picked up on Zhuo Fan's presence, merely glancing his phoenix eyes his way, "This concerns our Xue clan. If sir does not want any trouble, I suggest you leave."

Xue clan?

Zhuo Fan quirked an eyebrow and stared long at the beggar, [I didn't think this buddy had offended the Xue clan.]

Xue clan was the number one common clan in Blue Expanse City. It had a Profound Heaven expert as overseer and could be considered a 2nd rate clan on the continent.

But as Blue Expanse City was under Hell Valley's control, Xue clan was nothing more than its vassal.

Zhuo Fan saw the beggar pleading with his eyes and smiled as he drew the beggar closer. The young master squinted and paled. The beggar was also surprised and a faint red tint made itself notice on his dirty cheeks.

"Kid, what do you think you're doing?" The young master bellowed.

Zhuo Fan snickered, "From now on, he's under me. If you want him, you'll have to pass through me first!"

"Absurd! Did you come to Blue Expanse City without even knowing of our Xue clan? Is our clan someone you can offend?"

"Ha-ha-ha," Zhuo Fan laughed and shook his head, "Of course I know. Xue clan is Hell Valley's number one dog in Blue Expanse City. You're telling me to ignore all those rare and amazing spiritual beasts on Allbeast Mountain Range for a lame dog?"

The young master was about to explode from anger. The beggar was also angry and pushed Zhuo Fan, "Don't talk of Xue clan like that!"

Zhuo Fan was stunned. [I am venting your anger yet you still blame me?]

"Men, seize them!"

As Zhuo Fan was lost for words, the young master bellowed orders.

The men behind him swarmed the two. The beggar woke up to who the enemy was and hid behind Zhuo Fan.

Sneering, Zhuo Fan picked up on the fact that these guards were mostly 5th layer Qi Condensation cultivators, with only two in the 6th layer.

"A bunch of fishes looking for death!"

Zhuo Fan attacked with disdain. His hand flashed red and struck with Blood Palm!

It hit a guard's chest, and the victim felt all his blood vessels burst and his organs expand to the point of bursting. He spat blood before collapsing.

Another palm flew and the next guard fell.

This pattern went on and on...

The group of twenty guards fell one by one under Zhuo Fan's onslaught.

The young master had long been standing there in shock. Even with his 8th layer Qi Condensation cultivation, he would be unable to deal with 20 men like Zhuo Fan did.

It was clear that Zhuo Fan was only in the 5th layer, yet his simple palm dealt each guard a serious wound.

What escaped his eyes though, was that Zhuo Fan's Blood Palm bypassed a person flesh and struck at the blood vessels. It was the same as ignoring the body's defense and attacking the vulnerable organs within, so of course, it was far deadlier than it looked.

In but a few breaths, all guards were on the ground, knocked out.

The young master witnessed it all with a solemn expression. The beggar's eyes also bulged in wonder.

"So you do know a thing or two, kid. No wonder you're so smug." The young master gnashed his teeth and jumped, shattering the stones beneath his feet, "Then let me, Xue Gang, coerce sir with my high martial arts!"

"Xue Gang?"

Zhuo Fan frowned, "Are you Xue clan's young master? I heard your dad pampers you and you are to be the clan's successor!"

"So, are you afraid perchance?" Xue Gang shouted.

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "No, I just don't like annoyances. If I offend you here, my days in Blue Expanse City will be harder. It's best to... shut all these people up for good and bring peace to my ears!"

Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed with killing intent and shot forward. Such pressure from him squeezed at Xue Gang's heart.

He never dreamed Zhuo Fan would dare to kill him. The naked killing intent made his Yuan Qi slow down, even if he was 3 layers higher than Zhuo Fan.

He, who was praised to high heaven for his talent in cultivation, couldn't foresee the world housing such a ruthless youth. A mere 5th layer Qi Condensation cultivator was able to overwhelm an expert 3 layers higher.

He watched in abject fear as the palm neared his chest and was moments away from rupturing his heart. But in this moment of impending crisis, he bit his tongue to wake up. The pain freed him from the killing intent's horrifying grip.

With no time to lose, he punched. Blue lights shot like a tornado at Zhuo Fan.

"High mortal ranked martial art, Howling Fist!"

Zhuo Fan snorted in disdain and made a hand sign so that a red light flew right into Xue Gang's body.

Before the Howling Fist even touched Zhuo Fan, it broke apart and Xue Gang's body froze on the spot in panic.

At this moment Zhuo Fan towered over him. Seeing Zhuo Fan's devious grin, Xue Gang felt like he was looking at a demon and his heart seized up for a few seconds.

Bam!

Zhuo Fan's palm landed on his chest and Xue Gang spat blood as he flew into the air. His organs felt like they were burning and his blood vessels began to rupture.

But the pain had yet to register when the demon approached. Xue Gang was so scared he was having a mental breakdown.

This was Zhuo Fan!

He didn't strike with another palm and instead, Zhuo Fan grabbed Xue Gang's neck with a sneer, "Young master Xue, worry not. After you die, your servants will follow in your footsteps, down to the last one. This should keep the Xue clan from chasing me all over for at least three months. Let's make this case... cold."

Zhuo Fan tightened the chokehold and Xue Gang felt his throat almost breaking, he could even hear his bones creak.

He was on the brink of death. Besides agony, nothing else was felt.

Not for the life of him could he understand what he did wrong. Wasn't he only going to bring Ning'er back? Why did he meet a reaper instead? A ruthless killer!

[I forgot to read my future before heading out!]

If his neck wasn't being crushed by Zhuo Fan, he'd be wailing and bawling. [Damn it, what rotten luck!]

"Stop!"

Just when Zhuo Fan wanted to apply the last bit of force and send the young master to paradise, the beggar yelled.

Zhuo Fan eyed him suspiciously, "What are you doing? Aren't they your enemies?"

The beggar was filled with worry for Xue Gang's life that even tears formed in his eyes. In fact, he wanted to stop Zhuo Fan long ago, but Zhuo Fan was just too fast. He dealt with the guards in one moment, and in the next, he was at Xue Gang's throat.

"Even if they are, I don't want to kill them!" The beggar cried.

Zhuo Fan frowned, "Why didn't you say so? But it's too late now. They are no longer just your enemies, they are mine too. The only ending for my enemies is death!"

Zhuo Fan's hand tightened and Xue Gang's eyes bulged out. He wasn't far off from dying.

"If you don't release him, I won't guide you." The beggar yelled in tears.

Zhuo Fan frowned. This was his first time seeing a person shed tears for their enemies.

He let go and Xue Gang dropped on the ground. Zhuo Fan made a sign and Blood Infant returned as he shrugged, "Since you aren't scared, why would I be over some future inconvenience?"

He wiped the tears off the beggar's little face and walked away while holding the beggar close, "Show the way, then I will take you outside the city, far from Xue clan."

"Y-you baddie!" The little beggar stammered.

Zhuo Fan sneered, "Correct, I'm a bad man! But in this world, they are the only ones who can survive. The good guys have already left for hell."

The beggar wiped his tears and looked at Zhuo Fan, unafraid.

He had seen his fair share of bad people, but none rose to Zhuo Fan's level. Yet he never felt any hatred for Zhuo Fan as he did for others, instead, he felt at ease.

This feeling he didn't express, but it felt nice anyway...

An hour later, a black figure appeared standing in Zhuo Fan's previous position. The old man's beard shivered from rage at the sight of the guards on the ground.

He noticed Xue Gang twitching on the ground, helped him up, and asked nervously, "Gang'er, what's wrong? Who did this to you?"

Xue Gang gasped with a pale face, yet not one word was uttered. The old man looked him over and found that only Xue Gang's insides were wounded, while below him was a puddle of water.

He gave Xue Gang a pill then let out a long breath.

But Xue Gang's injury astonished him.

His wound wasn't heavy, only needing a month to heal. But his mind, however, had received a heavy shock. He was frightened so badly he peed himself!

[Gang'er is a bold youth. Only a dreadful expert could have scared him to such a state in such a short time.]

The old man was bewildered as he pondered for a long time. In the end, he shook his head and left with Xue Gang.

No matter who it was, any who dared offend Xue clan in Blue Expanse City would have another thing coming...

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Chapter 55, Peak Bone Tempering Stage

"That's the path up the mountain."

The beggar and Zhuo Fan poked their heads through a bush close to a narrow mountain path.

Zhuo Fan looked ahead and frowned seeing 30 Bone Tempering guards.

With his strength and Savage Moon, along with Blood Infant's help, it wasn't hard to charge through. But to do it without anyone noticing was the problem.

Any noise here would attract the elder from Hell Valley stationed within. And since Xue clan's Profound Heaven expert was after him, he'd have a hard time coming out alive.

After careful deliberation, Zhuo Fan shook his head. He'd have to rely on the little beggar if he wanted to go within the mountain's range.

"Xiao Ning, where's the secret tunnel?"

Zhuo Fan looked at the little beggar, the latter was still feeling afraid of what he had witnessed some time ago. He wasn't crying but still sniffed.

"C-come with me." said the little beggar while sniffing hard, then he and Zhuo Fan vanished from the bushes.

Zhuo Fan felt helpless. [Why is this kid more of a coward than a mouse? Ever since he saw what I did, he keeps crying from fear, even now.]

[They were the enemies chasing you down, not your family. So why are you crying so hard?]

Zhuo Fan secretly cursed but was resigned to his fate. Who told him to agree to this little beggar's deal? He imagined that after he followed the beggar to the mountain, he'd be facing some ferocious spiritual beasts while the beggar kept crying at the side.

Sighing, Zhuo Fan travelled with the beggar through a dark forest. After a long time, they found a narrow tunnel next to a hidden stream.

"T-this is it." The beggar forced himself to stop sobbing, but his body still shivered, "W-when I was little, I used to play with my dad and brothers in these woods!"

Zhuo Fan lifted an eyebrow as he inspected the cave and the surroundings. It was such a remote place that only a native would know of.

He guessed that the little beggar must have stumbled upon this cave when he was playing with his brothers, or the Hell Valley would've sealed it by now if they knew of it.

"Alright, Xiao Ning. Go in first, I'll be right behind you!"

Zhuo Fan shouted as he pushed the little beggar in. He didn't think this place held a trap, but his years and years of experience still showed his cautious nature.

The little beggar was aware of the meaning and rolled his eyes in anger, and stooped to go in.

Suddenly, a loud shout was heard.

"Ning'er, stop!"

Whoosh!

With a sound of the wind, a large figure blocked the two's path. The man looked like he was in his forties and wore luxurious clothing over his tall and sturdy body. His pair of large eyes flashed with the explosive power of an expert.

"Peak Bone Tempering expert!"

Zhuo Fan frowned and his hands tightened, "Are you the Clan Head of the Xue clan, Xue Wanlong?

"Good eyes!"

Xue Wanlong praised, "Where you the one who harmed my eldest son, Xue Gang?"

"Indeed," Zhuo Fan smiled, "He wanted to take one of my people. Sparing him was already kind enough!"

"What, yours?"

Xue Wanlong was shocked and turned to the little beggar. The little beggar blushed as he hid behind Zhuo Fan.

Xue Wanlong's expression turned weird.

"Dad!"

Just then, a yell was heard. A youth in white landed next to Xue Wanlong, "Ha-ha-ha, I knew Ning'er would be hiding here."

"Dad, let me help you take him back!"

The youth looked thrilled. He disregarded Zhuo Fan and flew to the little beggar.

[Bastard, this kid is way too cocky, treating me like air!]

Zhuo Fan squinted and secretly cursed. When the youth was close to him, he struck with a red palm.

The youth felt his energy turn sluggish and his blood vessels rupture. In this moment of deadly crisis, Zhuo Fan struck like lightning and grabbed his neck.

"What are you doing?" Xue Wanlong roared.

He didn't think his son would be caught so easily.

To be honest, he saw Zhuo Fan as a 5th layer Qi Condensation cultivator and was still skeptical of how he hurt his eldest son and guards.

But now he knew.

Compared to the kids he raised in his clan with all his heart, Zhuo Fan was akin to a savage beast bathed in blood. He was weaker, but his timing was perfect and his methods vicious.

Before Zhuo Fan, his two sons were nothing more than greenhouse flowers.

With a snicker, Zhuo Fan raised the youth up high, "A 5th layer Qi Condensation cultivator. He must be your second son, Xue Lin, right?"

"Release him now, or you won't make it out alive!" Xue Wanlong roared in anger.

Sneering, Zhuo Fan shook his head, "If I do as you say, you'd make sure I'm dead even more!"

"Clan Head Xue, no matter what grievances Xiao Ning has with you, he is my person. I only hope you will give up at this point. Don't..."

Zhuo Fan's hand squeezed and Xue Lin gasped with his tongue out, "And you will have your son as a corpse!"

"No!"

The little beggar shouted before Xue Wanlong could reply, grabbing Zhuo Fan's arm and begging with his eyes.

Zhuo Fan was stunned, [This beggar must have a screw loose. Why does he want to leave his enemies alive?]

Xue Wanlong watched them with a complicated gaze. But soon came to a decision and calmed down.

This, in turn, startled Zhuo Fan.

"Kid, what is your name?" Xue Wanlong asked.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "I am alone and am not afraid of your revenge. Nor am I afraid of telling you my name. It's Zhuo Fan!"

"Alright, Zhuo Fan! You want to protect him no matter what?" Xue Wanlong pointed at the little beggar with a solemn look.

Zhuo Fan snorted, "He is mine, so of course I will!"

"Good, then let's make a bet. You let my son go and take ten hits from me. If you win, I will no longer care about him. What do you say?"

Squinting, Zhuo Fan considered Xue Wanlong's bet, then showed his manic grin as he threw Xue Lin away.

"Aren't you afraid I will break my word?" Xue Wanlong's eyes flashed.

Zhuo Fan sneered, "If I want to kill him, you won't be able to stop me!"

"Big words!" Xue Wanlong was angry again, "Here are my ten moves!"

He charged with his peak Bone Tempering power on display. But Zhuo Fan didn't seem to feel any discomfort, standing there calmly.

Xue Wanlong's brow trembled as he secretly praised Zhuo Fan.

But before he reached Zhuo Fan, the later also charged. This puzzled him greatly.

[Even if this kid is a seasoned fighter, he can't fend off a Bone Tempering expert! So why...]

He saw Zhuo Fan's hand shine and Savage Moon appear.

Basked in a silver glow, Zhuo Fan sped up and was before Xue Wanlong in an instant, ready to attack.

"3rd-grade demonic treasure?"

Xue Wanlong was shocked and turned to the side in an attempt to dodge.

But a red light darted out from Zhuo Fan, aimed at Xue Wanlong.

"Got you!"

Zhuo Fan grinned with killing intent.

But just as Blood Infant was about to enter Xue Wanlong, it was repelled. As it bounced off, Zhuo Fan felt his blood stirring from his connection with it. His hand moved and he slashed with Savage Moon.

The silver light trailed past Xue Wanlong's face.

When both of them stopped, Zhuo Fan was standing in Xue Wanlong's original place with a solemn look. Just now he had planned to take Xue Wanlong's life in one hit by using Blood Infant and Savage Moon.

But unexpectedly, Blood Infant bounced off and the recoil veered his attack.

He turned back to see Xue Wanlong's chest flash, and shouted, "2nd-grade defensive demonic treasure?"

His heart grew heavy having found out the reason.

Against such a defensive demonic treasure, his Qi Condensation Blood Infant was useless. He could only rely on Savage Moon in this battle.

As Zhuo Fan felt gloomy about the upcoming fight, Xue Wanlong's jaw dropped in shock.

He didn't foresee that a 5th layer Qi Condensation kid would have such terrifying power. If he was a moment too late, his head would've been sent flying right now.

Recalling his bet with Zhuo Fan, he felt a cold shiver run down his spine.

[Blast it, as the matter stands, it'll be good if I can at least keep my head after ten moves!]

He then looked at the chain mail on his chest and sighed. Thanks to his father warning him that the man who took Ning'er might have been an expert, he wore this armor.

He was unclear as to what was Blood Infant's use, but he knew death wouldn't be far away once it got into his body.

Then he turned to Zhuo Fan, who was looking at him as if to devour him, and broke out in cold sweat.

This was his first time meeting such a dreadful opponent. Even more so when this opponent was in the 5th layer of Qi Condensation!

"Damn it. Is this kid a monster?" Gnashing his teeth, Xue Wanlong braced himself for what's to come...

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Chapter 56, Mystifying Phantom Step

Zhuo Fan stared at Xue Wanlong, thinking hard for a way to finish his enemy. Xue Wanlong was the same, yet his eyes seemed lost.

He saw no hesitation from Zhuo Fan, but a naked taunt instead. This was not how a Qi Condensation cultivator was supposed to stare at a Bone Tempering expert. It was more akin to a savage beast staring down its prey, and he didn't like it one bit.

[Being stared down by someone weaker than me feels like I've lost all respect.]

He decided to rush for an attack and strike awe in this kid.

But Zhuo Fan got ahead of him and ran for him first.

"Second move!"

Zhuo Fan's sudden action startled him, but soon recalled who he was. Even if it was against a punk, he wasn't about to make a fool of himself.

Moreover, only Savage Moon was a threat to him. If he paid attention to it, he'd be fine. It would be no problem lasting ten moves.

If his thoughts were known to others, it would leave them speechless.

In a fight between Peak Bone Tempering expert and a Qi Condensation kid, the former who thought this was but a cat and mouse game was now thinking how to survive ten moves.

Who the hell was strong and who was weak then? And more importantly, who in the hell told him to make a 10 moves bet in the first place?

But he had no time to mind such trifles as Zhuo Fan had turned into a silver light. Seeing the silver light approach him, Xue Wanlong exploded with power and retreated. It could be said that he was being wary of Savage Moon, but he was even more afraid that he would end up making an embarrassing scene!

Xue Lin, who was thrown down, coughed twice then stared in shock, "Dad, you were the one who brought up the ten moves bet, not the other way around!"

Xue Wanlong's face froze, itching to run over and kick his son's rear real good. [Can you be even more oblivious? This kid's toy is sharp and you want me to play around with death?]

Xue Lin was ignorant of his dad's struggle and kept cheering. But Xue Wanlong's face was getting more and more ashen!

Zhuo Fan didn't even get to touch Xue Wanlong's clothes in the first 5 moves. But he saw through Xue Wanlong's intention and became bold.

With a manic grin, Zhuo Fan declared, "Sixth move!"

He sped up for another attack while Xue Wanlong was prepared to dodge.

But this time, Zhuo Fan stepped lightly and turned into three figures, surrounding Xue Wanlong. Three silver lights approached Xue Wanlong in a threatening manner from different directions.

Xue Wanlong was startled. But as a Peak Bone Tempering expert, he didn't lose his calm. He kicked the ground and made it explode. The force helped him dodge backwards, almost enough to escape the encirclement.

But Zhuo Fan sneered and stepped again!

Whoosh!

The images dissipated. However, Zhuo Fan appeared from behind Xue Wanlong and cut past his ear!

"Low spirit ranked martial art, Mystifying Phantom Step!"

The two stopped again, with Zhuo Fan standing three meters away from his opponent with a smile. Xue Wanlong stood there watching a strand of black hair floating before him.

"I-I lost!"

He couldn't believe it. What was meant to be a test for the kid, ended with his complete loss in the 6th move.

He didn't sense Zhuo Fan behind him, but since Zhuo Fan could cut his hair just as well, it could've been his head.

In other words, Zhuo Fan was going easy on him.

Xue Wanlong swallowed dryly. He was going all out from the 2nd move. But even so...

"Impossible!"

The beggar and Xue Lin yelled at the same time. They found it hard to accept that such a powerful expert lost to their peer.

"Dad, you must've gone easy on purpose, right?" Xue Lin ran next to Xue Wanlong with expectation in his eyes. But Xue Wanlong didn't comment.

Zhuo Fan watched them coldly, "Of course Clan Head Xue went easy. His first move was just a test, without killing intent!"

"If dad hadn't gone easy, you'd be dead!" Xue Lin was grasping for straws here when he stuck out his chin in derision.

But Zhuo Fan just sneered, "Terribly sorry, your dad didn't go all out. But if he had, his head would've been lying on the ground by now!"

Zhuo Fan wasn't saying to scare people.

Although his first attempt with Blood Infant failed, it only meant that he lost the initiative completely. And that didn't equal losing his chance to kill Xue Wanlong.

A Bone Tempering expert lacked speed in comparison to a Profound Heaven expert. With Savage Moon's assist, Zhuo Fan's speed matched a Bone Tempering expert. So, he still had a chance with his speed.

What was left then was to deliver a killing blow at the perfect timing!

If Zhuo Fan was in the 4th layer of Qi Condensation, it would've been impossible. But in the 5th layer, he could use spirit ranked martial arts.

And the first one he trained was Mystifying Phantom Step.

This was not your average martial art, but one coming from Nine Serenities Secret Records, a rare martial art that made use of an array's advantage. The phantom part wasn't important, but it was crucial to bait the opponent. The true killing move came from the mystified path he drew his opponent in.

With this martial art, Zhuo Fan could teleport anywhere within a short-range.

During their fight, the phantoms took all of Xue Wanlong's attention and made him ignore the sudden appearance of Zhuo Fan behind him.

If Zhuo Fan had sensed any killing intent in their fight, he would've chopped Xue Wanlong's head off.

Xue Wanlong was more than clear on this and accepted his defeat.

"Zhuo Fan," With a sigh, Xue Wanlong stared at him solemnly, "You're the most reliable youth I've ever seen. I will leave Ning'er with you. Don't fail him!"

Zhuo Fan was puzzled, [What does he mean by that?]

But Xue Wanlong didn't explain and hugged the little beggar.

"Ning'er, go and don't return. Follow your dreams!"

"Dad!" The little beggar cried rivers. Zhuo Fan watched in shock, [Dad? When did Xue Wanlong have a third son?]

But soon, he yelled, "Hold on, you're 3rd Young miss, Xue Ningxiang?"

Rolling his eyes, Xue Wanlong patted Zhuo Fan's shoulder, "Kid, I thought you were smart, but you found this out only now! Anyway, you said it yourself that she is yours, so I am leaving her in your care. If I find out that you mistreated my daughter in any way, I will wring your life from your body!"

"N-o way! W-what is going on here?"

Zhuo Fan was slack-jawed. All this time he'd been fighting the little beggar's father and was so close to ending her entire family. [It's obvious now why she always glared at me with such hatred.]

Sighing, Xue Wanlong took one last look at his tearing daughter and left with Xue Lin.

After going some distance, Xue Lin said, "Dad, if we don't get Ning'er back, how do we explain it to Hell Valley..."

"Quiet, I have a way!"

"Xue Ningxiang!"

Zhuo Fan stepped before the little beggar and tossed her cap. Jet-black silky hair cascaded.

The little beggar, who was still lost in tears as she watched her father leave, yelped when this happened and hurriedly held her head. She faced him with a blushed face but didn't meet his eyes.

"Miss Ning, what's your game? Here I was fighting with your father thinking of helping you vent your anger but, in fact, it was for nothing!"

Xue Ningxiang took two steps back, muttering as she looked at his angry face, "Brother Zhuo, don't be angry. I only want to leave the city while you want to go to Allbeast Mountain Range. We'll each get what we want!"

Zhuo Fan was startled. [Then again, she's right!]

[As long as I get what I want, who cares if they're a family of archenemies?]

[Each gets what he wants. This missy speaks reason. Will I, Demonic Emperor, get angry because she lied to me? Anyway, this has nothing to do with me!]

But then Zhuo Fan was startled once again.

[Since when have I been so emotional?]

With a frown, Zhuo Fan recalled everything that happened since his rebirth. He then realised that being in contact with the Luo clan over the past months made him show consideration to the people around him, even without his knowledge. This wasn't how a demonic cultivator acted at all!

[Damn it, I don't need these useless feelings. I have to change.]

[I have to!]

Zhuo Fan reminded himself again and again. His face then turned serene, void of any emotion.

"Xue Ningxiang, let's go!" Zhuo Fan pointed at the cave and said in a cold tone, "Once I'm done with Allbeast Mountain Range, I will take you out. At that time, our deal is done!"

Xue Ningxiang looked long at him then nodded. Zhuo Fan's behavior changed way too fast as if he was a different person.

To begin with, Zhuo Fan wasn't a good man in her mind but now he became neither good nor bad, but cold and unfeeling...

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Chapter 57, Golden Spring Pool

Allbeast Mountain Range, deep in the forest.

In a remote thicket, a rabbit was chewing on tender juicy grass. Suddenly, the rabbit straightened its ears and bolted.

A moment later, a black hand extended out from the ground followed by the slow crawl of the little beggar. But as she was crawling, she was flung out with a loud sound, as if a palm had slapped her.

"Get out already!"

Zhuo Fan scowled and came out after the beggar flew. He was just as filthy as the beggar and looked as if he had crawled through a cramped coal mine.

The tunnel was winding and almost half a mile long, it was also damp and smelled of rot. He couldn't understand for the life of him what was so great about playing in this place as kids?

Xue Ningxiang got on her feet, rubbed her rear and then glared at him, "You're the worst. I show you the way and this is my thanks?"

"Yes, I'm a scoundrel!"

Zhuo Fan didn't argue with her and had his eyes peeled, scanning the surrounding as he heard the seldom roar of spiritual beasts. He now knew that this was indeed Allbeast Mountain Range.

Looking at his filthy appearance, he shook his head and turned to Xue Ningxiang, "Hey, is there any river nearby?"

Rolling her eyes, Xue Ningxiang began walking, "Follow me!"

Zhuo Fan smiled and followed her.

Fifteen minutes later, the sound of water reached their ears. He perked up and sped.

His eyes were soon rewarded with the sight of a wide river flowing with clear water and small fishes.

With a shout, Zhuo Fan leapt in despite a female's presence. His clothes then flew out.

Xue Ningxiang whipped her body around in shame and snapped, "You rogue, what are you doing?"

"What do you think, bathing!"

Zhuo Fan snorted as he bathed with no regard to her presence, "I'll get out after I finish. Do what you want! If you wish, we can bathe together, I don't mind!"

"Damn you, who wants to bathe with you?" Xue Ningxiang didn't turn around, only mumbled with irritation, "Shameless!"

Zhuo Fan heard her loud and clear though. [If demonic cultivators cared about reputation, what are righteous cultivators then?]

A quarter of an hour later, Zhuo Fan came out of the river and put on a new robe from his ring. He patted Xue Ningxiang's shoulder, "Let's go, where is the Diamond Sand going to appear?"

Xue Ningxiang was a bit nervous seeing Zhuo Fan wanted to leave. She stood there in hesitation and was too embarrassed to speak.

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow, "What? Show the way. Didn't we have a deal?"

"B-but..." Xue Ningxiang muttered shyly, "I haven't washed yet!"

Zhuo Fan's eyebrow twitched and he exposed an enigmatic smile, "I told you to wash but you refused! Since you haven't then that's that. I won't avoid you either way!"

"B-but..."

Xue Ningxiang was even more embarrassed now. She put on a disguise to run away from home. But she was a girl, and girls loved beauty, so how could she allow herself to stay dirty?

Zhuo Fan knew this too, but he was just teasing the hell out of her. [Who told her to deceive me?]

Xue Ningxiang was swaying from one foot to the other but didn't speak. But when she caught Zhuo Fan's faint smile she knew he was teasing her.

Pissed, she threw her hat in his face and walked to the river.

But after a few steps, she turned to warn Zhuo Fan, "Y-you better not peek!"

Zhuo Fan mocked as he left, "I'm not interested in unripe fruits!"

Unripe?

Xue Ningxiang was startled, then looked down at her chest and pushed it out unconvinced, "Humph, where am I unripe?"

But Zhuo Fan had already disappeared among the trees.

Xue Ningxiang pouted and returned to the river with a gloomy heart.

Half an hour later, Zhuo Fan was laying carefree on a bush, holding a straw in his mouth and contemplating his next course of action. The bushes around him moved at that moment and Zhuo Fan looked over with a smile.

"Oh, you're finally done! Little miss, can we go now?"

"Y-yeah!"

With a shy reply, the bushes were pushed aside. A white-clothed delicate girl slowly walked out. She wasn't gorgeous, but she had a lively air about her.

She was like a bouquet of fresh and pure flowers!

Even Zhuo Fan was startled by her image. He didn't think that the dirty little beggar from before would transform into a gentle swan.

Xue Ningxiang reddened a bit from his constant staring. She coughed and Zhuo Fan smiled embarrassingly.

"Um, lady Xue, please lead the way."

Changing his mannerism after encountering a belle, Zhuo Fan started to despise himself a bit, [Since when have I become so shameless?]

Yet the end result was that he found it refreshing walking side by side with a belle...

Two hours later, Xue Ningxiang brought him to a hilltop. Zhuo Fan was puzzled, "Since the Diamond Sand is coming out, there should be plenty of people around. Why is it deserted?"

Xue Ningxiang shook her head and rolled her eyes, "Brother Zhuo, I thought you were smart. How come you are so stupid all of a sudden?"

Zhuo Fan watched her skeptically.

"If we go in right now, we will be caught. That is why I led you here!"

Xue Ningxiang pulled Zhuo Fan's hand and went higher up the hill and pointed, "That is the place where the Diamond Sand will erupt!"

Looking over, Zhuo Fan saw many figures, fifty in number, defending a pond. The pond seemed to be connected to a hot spring as it was bubbling.

In the centre, on a stone rising from the water, sat a grey-robed white-haired elder with his eyes closed. The air was warm around him but the steam from the hot spring vanished the closer it got to him.

So much so that not even his hair was wet!

"Such deep cultivation. Is he a Profound Heaven expert?" Zhuo Fan frowned in panic.

Suddenly, that elder snapped his eyes open and looked in Zhuo Fan's direction. His eyes were sharp and landed like lightning on his position.

"Get down!"

Zhuo Fan pulled Xue Ningxiang to lie on a rock as cold sweat ran all over his body, "Such a sharp instinct, he is a Profound Heaven expert for sure!"

"Correct!"

Xue Ningxiang nodded, "He is Hell Valley's elder overseeing Blue Expanse City for the past dozen years. Last month he found that the Golden Spring Pool released a lot of Diamond Sand and has stood watch here ever since. The 50 people around him are also Bone Tempering experts!"

Zhuo Fan nodded.

Before Diamond Sand erupted, it would cause the Flowing Gold Tide. But the Flowing Gold Tide would only contain trace amounts of Diamond Sand. But three months from then, the Diamond Sand would erupt for sure.

[To get all the Diamond Sand before others, they placed guards. But who is to say the Diamond Sand would erupt from here?]

Zhuo Fan frowned as he thought. With his power, he had no hope of stealing the Diamond Sand, unless...

His eyes flashed and pulled Xue Ningxiang off the hilltop.

"What, you have a way?" Seeing Zhuo Fan confident, Xue Ningxiang was startled.

She was already shocked that he could beat her family, but could he also have the power to win against a Profound Heaven cultivator and a team of Bone Tempering experts?

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "If you can't beat them, outwit them! Let's go, I want you to find a little pet for me!"

Xue Ningxiang was puzzled.

In the Golden Spring Pool, the elder's eyes were filled with confusion, "Did I sensed wrongly..."

At the same time, in Blue Expanse City, Xue Wanlong took Xue Lin's dirty figure home. In the main hall of the Xue clan sat a wizen old man in the seat of honor, watching the two. Then he suddenly jumped to his feet.

"How was it? Did you bring Ning'er? Did you deal with the culprit that harmed Gang'er?"

Sighing, Xue Wanlong shook his head, "Dad, I let them go! That kid is not bad, so I entrusted Ning'er to him. As for him injuring Gang'er, he did not know any better. As long as he takes care of Ning'er, I do not mind it."

"What, that man is Ning'er's..." The old man spouted in shock.

Nodding, Xue Wanlong said, "That kid said Ning'er was his. Ning'er was also willing, so we can assume so!"

"Fool!"

The old man slapped the table with a howl, "Wanlong, no matter who the kid is, even if you disregard what he did to Gang'er, Ning'er can never ever be taken away. You know that if she leaves, our Xue clan..."

Even though he was angry, his eyes revealed sadness.

Xue Wanlong looked at his father with firm eyes as he said, "Dad, let Ning'er go. I will take full responsibility!"

"You take shit! Can you keep the young and old safe?"

The old man roared, "Wanlong, I know you love your daughter, but you think I don't? But Xue clan..."

Sighing, the old man's face hardened, "Where did they go?"

Xue Wanlong was vexed, but still spoke as he closed his eyes, "Allbeast Mountain Range!"

Whoosh!

In an instant, the old man vanished...

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Chapter 58, Mystery Guy

Zhuo Fan and Xue Ningxiang were searching through bushes in Allbeast Mountain Range. Xue Ningxiang was unsettled, not knowing where he was going with this.

Zhuo Fan suddenly shouted in glee and held out something dirty, "Found it!"

Xue Ningxiang blinked in curiosity at the thing, "What is it? What does it do?"

"Sweet potato!"

Zhuo Fan gave a vague smile and continued, "The one thing that 1st level spiritual beast Burrowing Mouse likes the most!"

Xue Ningxiang's eyes flashed and yelled, "Great plan, you want to use a Burrowing Mouse to make a tunnel and steal the Diamond Sand!"

The Burrowing Mouse didn't know how to fight and even a Foundation Establishment cultivator could capture it easily. But its burrowing skill was second to none.

Just one of these critters could dig through a thousand-mile long mountain range in an hour!

Zhuo Fan didn't reply and showed a faint smile. Xue Ningxiang felt even more suspicious now. No one seemed to be able to unravel the insidious mind of Zhuo Fan.

A moment later, Zhuo Fan took Xue Ningxiang far away from the Golden Spring Pool and made a fire in which he threw the sweet potato.

Soon, a sweet aroma wafted for a hundred miles!

Many spiritual beasts raised their heads and began searching for the source. Zhuo Fan took Xue Ningxiang to lay in ambush close by, their eyes fixed on the fire.

The bushes rustled and many spiritual beasts, big and small, approached the fire. They prodded the black lumps in the fire, wanting to find out from where the sweet smell came from, to no avail.

Zhuo Fan secretly laughed and smiled at Xue Ningxiang.

In fact, the two took the cooked sweet potato long ago, they only left it inside enough to release its sweet smell and attract the Burrowing Mouse. If not, the other spiritual beasts would've taken it away and ruined their plan.

More and more spiritual beasts came and searched, but found nothing.

However, the soil next to the fire moved as it bulged outwards to no more than a fist in size. Zhuo Fan stood up slowly and got ready.

Suddenly, the bulge of dirt broke away. A creature with a black mouth on its tiny head came out. It roamed around the fire a few times and sniffed.

[Now!]

Zhuo Fan screamed in his mind as he shot for the fire. The spiritual beasts, which gathered around the fire, were only at 1st and 2nd level, ran away at the sudden noise.

Only the Burrowing Mouse was oblivious to what was happening, but its intuition as a spiritual beast gave it a bit of insight that danger was looming. It immediately started moving its claw, wanting to burrow.

But it was too late. Zhuo Fan already flashed before it and grabbed its tail.

The Burrowing Mouse struggled for its life in panic. But there was no escape from the demonic palm of Zhuo Fan.

"He-he-he, buddy, you wanna run?" With a manic grin, Zhuo Fan grabbed the critter's frail body and squeezed. It screeched in pain and flailed its claws.

Xue Ningxiang couldn't take it anymore and took the poor thing close to her chest. She patted it and threw Zhuo Fan an evil eye, "How can you be so cruel? What if you hurt it?"

"Humph, spiritual beasts don't get bruised easily!" Zhuo Fan snorted, "We need to hurry and tame it or we won't get another chance!"

"But you don't need to be such a boor about it! My clan had raised some small spiritual beasts before and even if they were wild they still listened to me!"

Xue Ningxiang comforted the poor critter with a sweet smile, "Isn't that right, little one?"

The Burrowing Mouse seemed to understand and nodded, then glared at Zhuo Fan.

[Curses, buddy you're pushing it here!]

Zhuo Fan raged inside, itching to get his hand on the prick. But it was impossible, not with Xue Ningxiang guarding it like a tigress.

But then an idea struck him and his manic grin returned.

The Burrowing Mouse shivered at the sight of him and hid in Xue Ningxiang's chest.

"What are you trying to do?" Xue Ningxiang warned Zhuo Fan as she stepped back.

His face flipped to a gentle smile as a gourd appeared on his palm, "It's alright. I won't harm the little one. I only want it to swallow something."

Then he took out a blood-red worm from the gourd.

It was the demonic creature he had raised with great care, Frigid Pool Bloodworm! Any creature that ingested it would have no choice but to listen to his commands or the Blood Curse would claim their lives.

If not for time being an issue, he wouldn't have wanted to waste a Bloodworm on a 1st level spiritual beast!

"What is that? So disgusting!" Xue Ningxiang frowned and took another step back. The Burrowing Mouse also sensed the danger and hid in her chest.

Zhuo Fan was dead serious, "We have two ways we can tame the little guy fast. Either let me train it for a day, or he eats this."

Xue Ningxiang saw Zhuo Fan's face and she knew if she refused, he'd use force.

Helpless, Xue Ningxiang took the Burrowing Mouse out and patted its head, "Little one, it's better if you eat it. Although its a tad disgusting, it's better than landing in that guy's hands!"

Xue Ningxiang said as she walked towards Zhuo Fan.

With a sinister smile, Zhuo Fan inched the bloodworm close to the Burrowing Mouse's mouth. The critter struggled but it was of no use. The bloodworm was about to enter its mouth.

At that moment, however, a whoosh was heard.

Zhuo Fan pushed Xue Ningxiang away as he moved back himself, "Watch out!"

A cold light passed between them. The freezing ray almost touched Zhuo Fan's fingers as it cut the wiggling bloodworm clean in half. He was aware of the killing intent the ray contained.

Zhuo Fan turned to see a tall youth not ten meters away. He looked to be 20 years old and had a handsome visage. His eyes flashed with coldness, like a pair of sharp blades, at the two of them.

The Burrowing Mouse shrieked a few times and ran from Xue Ningxiang's hands and climbed up his body to his shoulder.

[It... has a master?] Zhuo Fan scowled.

The youth snorted at the two, "You both got some nerve eying my spirit animal!"

"Uh, sorry, it wasn't on purpose..."

Zhuo Fan stopped Xue Ningxiang's explanation with a wave and pushed her behind him, "It doesn't matter if it has a master or not. We need it today!"

"Ha-ha-ha, big words!"

The youth sneered, "One insect is in the 5th layer of Qi Condensation, while the other in the 4th. Yet you still want to tame what is mine? Fine, guess I will have to end you!"

"Humph, we will see about that!"

Sneering, Zhuo Fan rushed at the youth as Savage Moon flashed in his hand.

"3rd-grade demonic treasure?"

Raising an eyebrow, the youth lost the contempt he had before. This demonic treasure was a threat to his life, and in all his teachings he received, one needed to go all out regardless of the enemy!

His eyes gleamed as he dashed at Zhuo Fan, his hand flashed and it now held a longsword.

In an instant, the world seemed to freeze over. The sky and the earth seemed to vanish as flickering lights spewed from the sword!

"Empty Net!"

Whoosh!

Zhuo Fan suddenly slowed down amid his charge. Even his surroundings were sluggish while the only thing unaffected was the longsword.

"Profound ranked martial art, 7th layer of Bone Tempering Stage, and 4th-grade spiritual weapon!"

Squinting, Zhuo Fan started to take this seriously.

This youth wasn't average. It was hard enough reaching such cultivation at his age, but he had also grasped a profound ranked martial art and used a 4th-grade spiritual weapon!

In the Tianyu Empire, rare were those like him even in the Seven Noble Houses!

And exactly that was the answer. This man could be a core disciple of the Seven Noble Houses, perhaps even an inheritor. Today Zhuo Fan offended him and tomorrow trouble would come knocking. The only choice was to kill him!

In an instant, Zhuo Fan's eyes exploded with killing intent.

The youth was startled!

[Am I not the one holding the advantage? Why is this kid releasing such thick killing intent? Does he think he can actually kill me?]

The next moment, however, Zhuo Fan's action left him pale.

Despite knowing that he was slowed down, Zhuo Fan only took a step and turned into five images of himself!

Sneering, the youth grinned, [Think you can act tough with such a base level killing move?]

The youth's sword turned into five and struck each figure down. But at that moment, Zhuo Fan's voice came from behind him.

"Nice sword skill! Too bad you met me!"

The youth jumped in fright, [When did he get behind me?] In this moment of imminent danger, he stabbed backwards.

The sword art's aim was perfect, targetting Zhuo Fan's chest!

Zhuo Fan looked down calmly, with slight praise in his heart, [Too bad it's over!]

Whoosh!

Zhuo Fan ignored the sword going for his chest and slashed at the youth's waist. If this continued it would end with Zhuo Fan being gravely wounded and the youth dead!

[A wound for a kill, worth it...]

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Chapter 59, Sword Marquise Abode of the Seven Noble Houses

Ding!

Zhuo Fan slashed with full power, but a metal screech echoed and Savage Moon bounced back.

He squinted as his heart was in a panic, [This punk has a spiritual armor besides the spiritual weapon!]

But the timing didn't even let him think. The youth's sword was getting dangerously close to his chest. In this wound for a kill scenario, his opponent would come unharmed while he would be too wounded to continue fighting.

[Damn it, I miscalculated this time!]

Zhuo Fan secretly cursed and used the Savage Moon's rebound to save himself! Not for the life of him did he think this freakin' punk to be this rich.

Even an elder from Hell Valley had a single demonic treasure at best. But this punk here was wielding one while wearing another.

[Who the hell is he?]

Bam!

With no more time to think, Zhuo Fan's Savage Moon and the golden sword struck each other.

With a loud sound, Zhuo Fan flew back due to the force. The blood in his chest flowed erratically and forced him to spew blood.

He hit the dirt and the Savage Moon clanked next to him in two. His brow shivered as he turned solemn.

[He has a 4th-grade spiritual armor on him that my Blood Infant can't get through. The only way to hurt him was with Savage Moon.]

[But Savage Moon is now in pieces.]

This was the first time since his rebirth that Zhuo Fan met such a danger to his life.

The youth was in the 7th layer of Bone Tempering Stage, had a spiritual weapon, had a spiritual armor, and even profound ranked martial arts! [I can't punch through his defense and I can only take a beating.]

But the worst part was, the youth used all his power against someone weaker. Everyone was afraid of the serious types.

[This will make it even harder for him to make any mistakes for me to exploit.]

[How do I fight him?]

Zhuo Fan stared down the figure while his forehead ran cold with sweat.

Yet who'd have known that the youth's mental state mirrored his, maybe even more terrified!

The youth was known as a genius among geniuses in his clan. He learned the sword all his life and never lost! But against Zhuo Fan, who was weaker, he was one move away from dying even when he exerted his all.

If not for the spiritual armor, he'd be dead! Dead from a man weaker than him by a stage.

He just couldn't get over this. He was an exceptional genius who could defeat a peak Bone Tempering expert in a single move. He was the clan's successor, how could...

The youth's brow was sweating bullets and gnashed his teeth at Zhuo Fan, "Brother, what is your name?"

Zhuo Fan was startled and saw the change in the youth's eyes, guessing he wouldn't keep on wanting to kill them, he replied, "Zhuo Fan!"

"I'll remember you. We'll finish this the next time we meet!" That youth sheathed his sword, took his Burrowing Mouse, and was about to leave.

Zhuo Fan rushed to say, "Wait!"

The youth stopped, "What is it?"

"Dare I ask brother, are you also here for the Diamond Sand?"

The youth stared at Zhuo Fan, "What if I am, what if I'm not?"

Zhuo Fan smiled, "If not, then lets part ways. If you are, want to work together?"

"Work together?" The youth frowned and took a long look at the two, "How? Not even the three of us are enough to steal one speck of Diamond Sand!"

Not long back, this youth viewed them as nothing more than insects, but his words just now showed his respect for Zhuo Fan's strength as someone equal to him.

Zhuo Fan grinned inside. [We can negotiate like this.]

"Brother has a Burrowing Mouse, so you plan to avoid fighting them."

The youth smiled, "So we had the same idea. I see why you wanted this guy! But this Burrowing Mouse is mine. What can you bring if we team up?"

"The correct way of using the Burrowing Mouse!"

Zhuo Fan continued with a smile, "How is brother going to use it to get the Diamond Sand?"

The youth squinted, and replied with another question, "How about you?"

"Dig a tunnel, wait for the Diamond Sand to erupt, and we steal some." Xue Ningxiang spoke out of turn.

But her response only earned the laughter of the two until her face went red. She glared, "Why are you laughing? Am I wrong?"

The youth shook his head, "Lady, they have a Profound Heaven expert, so how could it work? You'll be caught before you even make a move!"

Zhuo Fan nodded, "In any case, my silly sister raised an option we definitely must avoid. What about you?"

Xue Ningxiang glared at Zhuo Fan for making fun of her, but her face became red again for some other reason.

The youth spoke simply, "Easy, the Diamond Sand is pushed by the deep earth and comes out as a spring. I will have the Burrowing Mouse dig a small tunnel from the main course to direct a part of the Diamond Sand to me."

Zhuo Fan clapped and Xue Ningxiang praised the brilliance of it, "Great plan."

The youth smiled with pride, but Zhuo Fan shook his head, "If I were you, this would also be the best plan."

The youth frowned, "You have a better way then?"

"Ha-ha-ha, of course. Why would I work with you if I didn't?"

Zhuo Fan smiled as he continued, "Your plan won't earn you even a thousandth. Since there are so many types of earth layers beneath us, the Diamond Sand will be stuck along the way and you will get even less!"

"What's your idea then?" The youth stared at him.

With a mysterious smile, Zhuo Fan stuck out his chin, "If brother believes me, I can get all of it, leaving nothing to Hell Valley. We will later split it evenly. What do you say?"

"How can that be?"

The youth watched them in shock, but Zhuo Fan was confident, "My skill is making impossible possible."

This got the youth to recall Zhuo Fan's close call in killing him and nodded, "Fine, I believe you! How do we do it?"

"Splendid!" Zhuo Fan laughed, "We are now partners. How should I address brother?"

"Xie Tianyang!" The youth spoke loud and clear.

Zhuo Fan frowned, "Xie... you mean you're from the Seven Noble Houses, Sword Marquise Abode..."

Waving his hand, Xie Tianyang smiled vaguely. But they all figured out even if Zhuo Fan didn't get to finish. Xue Ningxiang watched the youth for a long time in shock.

Second rate clans like the Xue clan relied on the protection of the Seven Noble Houses. Just that she never got to leave Blue Expanse City, not once in her life, and the only Seven Noble Houses' people she saw were from Hell Valley.

"Oh, brother Zhuo, what house do you come from that you're so amazing?" Xue Ningxiang couldn't help but wonder as Zhuo Fan was so young and yet no less powerful than Xie Tianyang.

In fact, Zhuo Fan could've struck this disciple of Sword Marquise Abode dead if not for the spiritual armor. Thus, Zhuo Fan had to be from a special background.

Xie Tianyang also turned to Zhuo Fan with eager eyes. He wanted to know just which house gave birth to such a monster.

Zhuo Fan shook his head with a smile, "I'm no one important, just a small steward in the Luo clan of Windgaze City!"

Steward? Luo clan?

The two were shocked.

[Luo clan? Never heard of it!]

"Ha-ha-ha, it's quite normal for you to not know. Luo clan is just a 3rd rate clan!" Zhuo Fan smiled.

This time, both of them eyed him with suspicion.

They would never believe that a trifling clan could raise such an expert! Not even the Imperial family and the seven houses had many like him.

"Brother, if what you said is true, you are welcome to join Sword Marquise Abode!" Xie Tianyang's eyes shined as he patted Zhuo Fan's shoulder.

It mattered little if Zhuo Fan was being honest, he was an unpolished gem nonetheless. With Zhuo Fan joining the Sword Marquise Abode, the Luo clan would one day be a 2nd rate clan, maybe even a peak second rate with the house's assistance. The Sword Marquise Abode would at that time grow in power even more.

For one of the Seven Noble Houses to personally ask for a clan to sign an agreement with them would stir all other small clans into crying if they found out. But Zhuo Fan only disdained this act.

Knowing where Xie Tianyang was going with this, Zhuo Fan smiled, "He-he-he, you're late. I already signed an alliance agreement with Veiled Dragon Pavilion! But if Sword Marquise Abode wants to sign a similar agreement, I'd be happy to oblige!"

"What?"

Zhuo Fan just dropped a bomb that shocked the other two to their cores!

Alliance agreement? Veiled Dragon Pavilion?

Why would Veiled Dragon Pavilion do this for a small clan...

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Chapter 60, Thousand Mile-long Array

Xue Ningxiang and Xie Tianyang took long skeptical looks at Zhuo Fan.

From Zhuo Fan's reaction, it could be said he spoke the truth. But this news was too outrageous, even worse than if the heaven and earth switched places.

The Seven Noble Houses could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Imperial family. If they discovered a clan with great potential, signing a vassal agreement was more appropriate.

But an alliance agreement only ever happened between the Seven Noble Houses.

Yet this gap in power between the house and the clan breached by an alliance agreement made it look like the Emperor went out to a beggar and called him brother.

Such an act would make them, the seven houses and the Emperor, look like charitable folks. But this was fundamentally impossible. Just how did Zhuo Fan do it?

Xie Tianyang watched Zhuo Fan closely but shook his head in the end, "Brother, it's fine if you don't want to say it. But do you have to lie to us so openly?"

Xue Ningxiang rolled her eyes while whining, "Brother Zhuo, we told you everything about us, while you still keep your's secret. This is not proper!"

Zhuo Fan shook his head. The truth was taken as lies by others and he did not know how to respond.

"Alright, brother Zhuo, let's forget it. We'll be going our separate ways when this is over anyway, with little chance of meeting again. There's no need to know everything about each other."

Then, Xie Tianyang clapped, "We had better listen to brother Zhuo's plan."

Zhuo Fan nodded with a smile.

He liked Xie Tianyang's attitude a lot. There was no eternal enemies and friends in the world, only benefits. They were friends now, thanks to a mutual goal, but tomorrow they might be on opposite sides. There was no need to know too much about each other.

Quite the contrary, it would be best to hide one's secret and protect one's identity.

Only Xue Ningxiang pouted, "Since we were brought together by fate, why can't we be friends?"

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang just smiled.

Zhuo Fan then retrieved a piece of paper from his ring and began to write on it. Fifteen minutes later, a strange design adorned it.

Xue Ningxiang was looking puzzled, while Xie Tianyang was feeling more and more astonished with each brushwork.

"This..."

Xie Tianyang watched the finished design in shock, "A 1st-grade array?"

"B-but I've never seen this one in my life, and I've seen my fair share..."

Zhuo Fan secretly nodded. Xie Tianyang was from the seven houses, and just like Long Kui, he had learned of arrays from a young age. But few parts of this array were from an ancient era and not seen today. Thus, he could not understand the array completely.

Xie Tianyang studied the design for a long time, then looked at Zhuo Fan with a firm gaze, "You... you're from the seven houses, no, maybe even Imperial..."

He wasn't certain, because the more he got to know Zhuo Fan, the more Zhuo Fan's talent scared him. So much that he couldn't ascertain which house Zhuo Fan belonged to.

He even felt the seven houses couldn't have raised such a monstrous talent. Then the only one above the houses was the Imperial family...

Zhuo Fan shook his head, "I already said it. It's up to you to believe or not, but now we're working together."

Xie Tianyang gave a strained nod.

"Follow me!"

Zhuo Fan took out a map and walked ahead with the other two close behind.

After half a day, Zhuo Fan reached a stream. He gave the area a once-over and nodded. Xue Ningxiang and Xie Tianyang were filled with curiosity.

This place was even farther away from the Golden Spring Pool, and near the border to the second area in the Allbeast Mountain Range.

Allbeast Mountain Range was split into three areas based on how dangerous the spiritual beasts were.

The first area was the safest, with only 1st and 2nd level spiritual beasts roaming around, and the seldom 3rd level. These were suited for Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation cultivators to catch as spirit animals.

And the Golden Spring Pool was in this area.

The second area was the treasure hunting area, a place where 3rd and 4th level spiritual beasts came and went as they pleased. Entering it while being below the Bone Tempering Stage equaled death.

But this area was filled with spiritual beasts, an important place from where strong experts got their spirit animals.

The third area was deemed as the danger zone. The spiritual beasts here were of 5th and 6th level. Even a Radiant Stage expert would die here.

As such, if one didn't have absolute confidence in his power, he would not step foot here.

Zhuo Fan was now standing near the border between the first and second areas. Once they entered the second area, Xue Ningxiang, with her Qi Condensation cultivation, would find death lurking at every corner.

Zhuo Fan took a deep breath and nodded, "This is it!"

Xue Ningxiang and Xie Tianyang were puzzled, but Zhuo Fan waved, "Brother Tianyang, I'll be counting on your Burrowing Mouse to dig a tunnel to the Golden Spring Pool, then keep digging along this pattern."

Zhuo Fan pointed on the map, "This is where the Golden Spring Pool is!"

"What?" Xie Tianyang said startled, "For it to dig to the Golden Spring Pool is not a problem, but for it to arrange spirit stones and set an array... It will take more than a thousand trips!"

"Correct, 3221 to be exact!" Zhuo Fan nodded, "Burrowing mouse is small and can only carry one spirit stone at a time. This means it will take 3221 trips to set the array around the Golden Spring Pool."

Xie Tianyang gasped and Xue Ningxiang went slack-jawed, "You want to work it to death!"

Even the Burrowing Mouse seemed to understand and collapsed on Xie Tianyang's shoulder.

[Shit, this punk is after my life. I can't do this idiotic thing or it'll be the death of me!]

Burrowing Mouse shut its eyes. Even when it fell from the shoulder and landed on a rock it wouldn't open them, though its twitching gave it away.

Zhuo Fan smirked and ignored the critter while talking to its owner, "Time is of the essence. Diamond Sand could erupt at any minute, so get your critter step on it."

"Is there no other way?" Xie Tianyang asked with a solemn expression.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "If you can snatch the Diamond Sand from right under their noses then be my guest!"

Xie Tianyang watched the unmoving critter on the ground with pity.

Zhuo Fan added an incentive, "There's a lot more Burrowing Mouse where he comes from, but as for Diamond Sand... He-he-he, only if you listen to me will you make a killing!"

Spurred on, Xie Tianyang's eyes flashed and he nodded, "Fine, it's just a 1st level spirit animal anyway. Who would need it, ha-ha-ha..."

The Burrowing Mouse jumped to its feet and pleaded to its owner with teary eyes.

[Master, how can you be so cruel! I'll end up working to the bone!]

But Xie Tianyang was too far gone to notice its gesture, as he and Zhuo Fan looked like demons with their manic grins at the poor critter.

Xue Ningxiang watched the cuddly and pitiful little one and her heart swelled with love. She hugged it and comforted it as she glared at the two demons.

But why would any of them care about a critter when Diamond Sand was at stake?

At once, under the stately figure of its master, Xie Tianyang, the Burrowing Mouse was compelled to dig to Golden Spring Pool. In fifteen minutes, a new pattern was beginning to emerge underneath the Golden Spring Pool, all according to Zhuo Fan's grand design.

Yet the elder stationed at the Golden Spring Pool was oblivious to everything that was happening right underneath his nose.

This was only the beginning for the oppressed Burrowing Mouse, which was forced to work itself into the ground. The only time the trio saw it was when it came for the next spirit stone. It could take it at first, but once it was finished with its first hundred stones, it was dog-tired that even its fur was slick with sweat.

Around the 500th trip, the critter was gasping.

Xue Ningxiang's heart was bleeding, wanting to give the poor guy a rest. But Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang stood like demons, just like a landlord overlooking his peasants, making sure to leave them dead tired.

Especially Xie Tianyang, having nothing but Diamond Sand in his head, he had no time to mind trifles like getting his spirit animal killed from overworking.

This resulted with the Burrowing Mouse making trip after trip and Xue Ningxiang giving it a sip of water on the sly out of pity, the only thing that she could do to ease its hell.

In the eyes of the little guy, she became a goddess.

It was starting to hate itself for choosing poorly. Its owner just heard demon king Zhuo Fan's two cents and was hooked into sending it to its death!

When it came out for the final time, it was close to breathing its last. Xue Ningxiang hugged it and consoled it, letting it feel the joy of a survivor.

Zhuo Fan smiled at Xie Tianyang, "See, I told you it'd be fine!"

Xie Tianyang sighed, "Yeah, but this guy would hate me to the bone after this."

"No choice. If we wanted to have the array in place within three days, the only choice was its sacrifice." Zhuo Fan shrugged, "If he'd really died of work, then it wouldn't be treated as a 1st level spiritual beast."

Zhuo Fan stood up and his hand flashed as he deployed another array on the stream's bank. With a hand sign, the spirit stones in the ground lit up.

An invisible ripple spread out and the two arrays, thousands of miles from each other, were now connected.

At almost the same time, the elder at the Golden Spring Pool shivered and opened his eyes with suspicion, "What's going on? Why am I restless all of a sudden?"

Next to the stream, Zhuo Fan revealed a wicked grin, "Only one more push! When the Diamond Sand erupts, Hell Valley's elder would get the shock of his life, he-he-he..."

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Chapter 61, Heaven and Earth Shift

With everything in place, Zhuo Fan's party entered an idle period alongside Hell Valley's elder, waiting for the eruption of Diamond Sand.

For a while, everything was quiet and peaceful. Xie Tianyang was feeling bored standing guard every day and thought of training his martial arts, but his worries about the Diamond Sand erupting and Zhuo Fan hogging it won over that feeling in the end.

Because he knew Zhuo Fan's mannerism but not his intention, and because he didn't understand Zhuo Fan either, he held some mistrust.

While Xue Ningxiang seemed to have forgotten about the Diamond Sand and played with the Burrowing Mouse every day. Xie Tianyang tried to call the critter over, but the little guy gave him an eye roll, which only worked to embarrass him.

It was his spirit animal yet it was closer with Xue Ningxiang...

So he switched targets to Zhuo Fan, watching him with a perplexed look.

Zhuo Fan was a riddle, be it his background or his origins. In no way would he believe Zhuo Fan's words of coming from a small clan.

Among their group, Zhuo Fan was the calmest. Over the past ten-so days all he did was meditate. As if he didn't care about the Diamond Sand at all, while in fact it also concerned him the most.

Zhuo Fan, in Xie Tianyang's mind, was becoming more valued, with how rare such a character existed in the Tianyu Empire.

At least he didn't have the state of mind to cultivate while waiting for the Diamond Sand like Zhuo Fan.

Cultivating with his anxiety and restlessness would only cause a deviation. While Zhuo Fan...

Xie Tianyang scrutinized Zhuo Fan, feeling envy.

A sudden sound woke Zhuo Fan up, "At last, the 6th layer of Qi Condensation."

Xie Tianyang's cheek trembled and showed a resigned expression.

To breakthrough at such a crucial time, he would never reach Zhuo Fan's state of mind for years to come...

This was how the trio spent the next month. Xie Tianyang was bored out of his mind, Xue Ningxiang and the critter played like crazy, sporting smiles every moment, while Zhuo Fan sat there in meditation.

Rolling his eyes, Xie Tianyang was driven to the point of insanity. [If I knew this would happen, I wouldn't have pushed the Burrowing Mouse that hard.]

The critter broke up with him so thoroughly that it wouldn't even come to relieve his boredom!

"Can't take it anymore!" Xie Tianyang wailed.

Then a sudden bang resounded across the mountain range and the ground started shaking.

"It's time!"

Zhuo Fan jumped to his feet. Xue Ningxiang, who was playing with the critter, was a bit startled and turned to Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang.

But the two didn't look afraid, only excited!

Hell Valley's 7th elder stationed at Golden Spring Pool flew higher, "Ha-ha-ha, I have waited two months for this."

"Men, cast the nets to gather the Diamond Sand!" The 7th elder roared and the Bone Tempering guards bowed, "Understood!"

They then began throwing golden nets into the Golden Spring Pool until it was all shining golden.

At the same time, at the stream, Zhuo Fan asked, "Did you prepare a net?"

"Ha-ha-ha, why would I come for Diamond Sand if I hadn't?" Xie Tianyang laughed and cast his net.

Diamond Sand erupted along with lava and it needed special nets to filter it.

Zhuo Fan also cast his own golden net into the stream.

Xie Tianyang watched him doubtful, "Brother Zhuo, what will you do now?"

"Watch closely!"

Zhuo Fan smiled with confidence and his hand performed signs, "Heaven and Earth reverse, mountains and river switch, yin and yang shift, twin array exchange!"

The spirit stones laid underground shined ever brighter and each beam of light pierced the horizon.

All around the Golden Spring Pool, 3221 light pillars towered towards the sky. The 7th elder felt uneasy, but as Diamond Sand's eruption was imminent, he had no time to mind parlor tricks and fixed his eyes on the hot spring's mouth.

Suddenly, a column of water sprouted from the spring, just that the heat from it was far lower.

People were stunned seeing this.

Reason dictated that along with the eruption of Diamond Sand, lava should flow out too. The hot spring's water would be so hot that not even a Bone Tempering expert should be able to approach.

But why was there only plain water?

th elder blinked in a daze, then face-palmed, "Damn it, someone's playing us."

He rushed higher in the air and saw thousands of light pillars in the distance.

"There!"

th elder seethed in rage as he charged, "You're dead if you think you can play me!"

Meanwhile, the stream before Zhuo Fan's party was gone, replaced by a dark hole that was soon spewing lava along with fine and shiny particles.

"Diamond Sand!" Xie Tianyang was overjoyed as he turned to Zhuo Fan in shock, "Brother Zhuo, you're great. How is the Diamond Sand erupting here?"

Grinning, Zhuo Fan flatly said, "This array is called Heaven and Earth Shift. It is a mere 1st-grade array, but it can reverse yin and yang, shift mountains and rivers. I only switched Diamond Sand's flow to here."

Zhuo Fan said it dully, but Xie Tianyang was shocked to the core.

As far as he knew, only 6th grade and above arrays could do that, and they were all lost. But Zhuo Fan not only did it but used just a 1st-grade array in the process.

He started to recall Zhuo Fan mentioning Veiled Dragon Pavilion's alliance agreement.

[It might not be far fetched for Veiled Dragon Pavilion to make such an agreement if they knew of brother Zhuo's outrageous talent.]

Xie Tianyang watched Zhuo Fan closely with a secret smile. He didn't think he'd meet such a man when he decided to get the Diamond Sand.

[There may not be a second person in the empire who can set this array.]

Xie Tianyang then spoke, "Brother Zhuo, would you like to come into Sword Marquise Abode as a Venerable?"

Xue Ningxiang was tongue-tied. Zhuo Fan was so young yet he'd get to be a Venerable in one of the seven houses!

Zhuo Fan rolled his eyes and almost made Xue Ningxiang stumble with his next words, "Save it. Veiled Dragon Pavilion tried it already and I refused them all the same. That's why they changed to having an alliance agreement!"

"Brother Zhuo, you're showing off here." Xue Ningxiang clearly doubted his words.

But Xie Tianyang nodded and said, "Alright, I will send someone with an alliance agreement when I get back. Where do I send it?"

"Windgaze City's Luo clan. I will return when I am finished with my affairs!"

Xie Tianyang hesitated, "Then I will wait for your return. I want to sign it with you. With your skills, when you leave the Luo clan in the future, we won't lose out then!"

Zhuo Fan shook his head, [Why are all seven houses the same?]

Xue Ningxiang gasped as her face twitched. [Sword Marquise Abode is so unruly, why would they want to sign an agreement with an outsider?]

And it wasn't with a clan, but with a single man!

But what escaped her thoughts was that precisely because Xie Tianyang was from the seven houses that he valued Zhuo Fan so much. The average clan would never see Zhuo Fan's value.

At this time, the dark cave let out a final eruption of lava. Seeing this, Zhuo Fan urged, "Get the nets!"

"Why the hurry?"

Xie Tianyang waved and continued with a smile, "The nets are made of spirit metal. They won't break in lava."

Zhuo Fan snorted, "You think I don't know that? If we don't go now, we may not have a life to enjoy it."

Xie Tianyang was startled as Zhuo Fan continued, "You think all elders from Hell Valley are blind? Who wouldn't notice the light pillars? Just wait, and you will have a Profound Heaven expert hovering overhead!"

Xie Tianyang rushed in with his hand signs to recover the net. As the nets rose, the trio saw the glitters among the lava. And on the net's threads was shining sand.

"What do we do now?"

Xie Tianyang was happy seeing the net but was aware of the imminent danger. Zhuo Fan dragged them for 12 hours to this place for a reason most obvious–to buy time. Even a Profound Heaven expert would need two hours to reach here.

During this time, they could retrieve the Diamond Sand and leave. But where to run was the question? Where was safe?

Noticing Zhuo Fan gazing at the stream's opposite bank, the pair shouted, "The second area?"

"Wrong!" Zhuo Fan said dryly, "The third area!"

Gasping, the two stared at Zhuo Fan in a daze.

[Is this guy crazy? The second area is dangerous enough, but going to the third is suicide!]

But they both were oblivious to the fact that Zhuo Fan's aim from the start was in that area.

th level spiritual beast, Thunder Skylark...

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Chapter 62, Chase

"We'll divide the Diamond Sand first then flee!"

Zhuo Fan was getting eager to get his share of the spoils when he saw the glittering dust and gave the two the cold shoulder.

Xue Ningxiang and Xie Tianyang smiled bitterly.

Ever since they ran into Zhuo Fan, they were led by the nose. Zhuo Fan did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

The same went for abusing the critter and setting an array to steal all Diamond Sand.

But all turned out fine in the end, everything he did was flawless and brought success. So, despite Zhuo Fan making no sense, which added to their worry, the two believed he had a failsafe in place.

So Xie Tianyang dropped the issue and was excited by all the glittering dust before him.

Whoosh!

The dust flowed like water out of the net and filled a one-meter tall bucket; and that was just a third.

So everyone started taking out any containers they had from their rings, and the coveted Diamond Sand soon filled vessels of all shapes and sizes.

Seeing such a haul, Xie Tianyang was smiling in excitement.

At first, he hoped to use the Burrowing Mouse to get a bit of Diamond Sand, and now, with a weirdo like Zhuo Fan around, they got everything in no time at all.

In refining a 5th-grade spiritual weapon, a handful of Diamond Sand was enough to raise its power, making it a top 5th-grade spiritual weapon. But with heaps of Diamond Sand, who knew how many such weapons could be made, and he could even add as much dust as he wanted in the refining process.

When refining, people would add a gram, fuse it well, then add another gram; thereby increasing the amount of Diamond Sand progressively.

[With this much yield, it's even possible to make a pure Diamond Sand spiritual weapon, ha-ha-ha...]

Xie Tianyang started laughing. Despite his high position in Sword Marquise Abode and not being poor in the least, compared to the Diamond Sand before him, it was no different than being a beggar...

Zhuo Fan saw Xie Tianyang laugh, his eyes flashed as he turned back to the glittering sand with a smirk.

[Sword Marquise Abodes's disciples are ignorant of the world outside!]

Zhuo Fan then stashed half of the sand into his ring while he spoke in a flat tone, "This is my share and the rest is yours!"

Xie Tianyang blinked, then smiled, "No worries, it's fine if you take a bit more!"

They had struck it rich this time. So, even with Zhuo Fan taking half, it was more than enough for the other two.

But in the end, this wealth was divided in two, with Xue Ningxiang having no interest in it. Compared to having such a precious item, she'd rather get out of Blue Expanse City.

Zhuo Fan only took his share, leaving her's untouched. Xie Tianyang secretly nodded and took the rest of the Diamond Sand, and asked Zhuo Fan, "How do we escape now?"

Whoosh!

Zhuo Fan's hand held a small bottle and took three red pills out. He ate one and gave the rest to the two.

"This is a 1st-grade pill, Energy Concealing Pill. It can hide our auras for a whole day and let us pass through the second area while not attracting spiritual beasts."

Xie Tianyang looked at the pill with amazement, "That's great! Where did you get it?"

Allbeast Mountain Range was a treasure trove that had the continent's cultivators drooling over for thousands of years. Too bad the spiritual beasts were a bit savage and kept the cultivators at bay. If they knew such a pill existed, they'd be fighting over it. Moreover, it was just a 1st-grade pill!

As far as Xie Tianyang knew, the continent didn't have such a pill, or wouldn't the cultivators be flocking here by now?

Xue Ningxiang was also amazed.

Zhuo Fan scratched his nose, "I made it, it is unique to me!"

Xie Tianyang shouted, "You're a freakin' alchemist too?"

Perhaps he was a bit too amazing that Xie Tianyang even had to resort to curses. But Zhuo Fan couldn't care less, which was evident from his shrug, "Yep, the more skills the better!"

The shock got to Xie Tianyang so badly that his cheek was twitching.

[Who the hell is this punk? He's a Qi Condensation cultivator, yet can match me, a Bone Tempering cultivator. And now he's an alchemist too?]

[Not only that, but he also sets up a lost array and refines unprecedented pills!]

Until now he thought that he had met a paragon like himself, just another strong opponent like the few geniuses he found his match in, in the seven houses.

But with Zhuo Fan revealing that he was also an alchemist, gave Xie Tianyang's psyche a heavy blow. Next time around, he'd never say that he was a genius, at least not when Zhuo Fan was present!

Xie Tianyang swallowed the pill and jumped across the stream and into the second area, "Let's go."

Zhuo Fan and Xue Ningxiang were startled, [What's up with him?]

They didn't know that this proud and conceited genius had just fallen from cloud nine all the way down into the mortal quagmire.

Two hours later, a gray figure landed next to the stream. It was the seventh elder.

His face was red with rage when he saw the steaming lava, and his hawk-eyes flashed with killing intent.

"Someone... someone pulled the Diamond Sand here..."

Squinting, the seventh elder huffed a few times then calmed down. But the coldness on his face grew thicker.

He looked around and muttered, "They just got the Diamond Sand and shouldn't have run far. If they stayed in the first area, death was only a matter of time. Then..."

The seventh elder turned to the opposite bank with a sneer, "Think you can get rid of me with parlor tricks?"

Then he soared into the second area!

A hundred miles out, Zhuo Fan's party was running when a sudden cawing came from behind followed by crows taking to the sky.

Zhuo Fan stopped and looked back with a frown.

"What?" Xie Tianyang and Xue Ningxiang also stopped.

"What's going on?" Zhuo Fan muttered, "That elder is charging right into the second area!"

"What?" Xie Tianyang was anxious, "What now? He will catch up in no time."

Zhuo Fan sighed, "I don't know. I thought that the elder would first search the first area after inspecting the lava, just to be sure. Thus, buying us enough time. Moreover, the second area is notoriously dangerous, so I guessed he wouldn't come here to search so soon. That is why I picked this area to flee."

"And by the time he'd figure it out, we'd have a six-hour lead. And for his safety in the second area, he'd be flying far slower to avoid 4th level spiritual beasts. At that point, we'd be in the third area and he'd ultimately given up the chase. In that area, he will be in the same boat as us, food for the spiritual beasts. So he'd never go in after us."

Zhuo Fan squinted, "Yet he went for the second area from the start. In this case, we only have one hour lead. If he catches up to us here, we're dead!"

"Brother Zhuo, haven't you heard of the seventh elder and what he is famous for?" Xie Tianyang asked.

Zhuo Fan was startled, "I only knew that a Hell Valley's elder was stationed here, but not the details."

Sighing, Xie Tianyang shook his head, "Know your enemy and yourself and you shall win a hundred battles. It's normal for you to make a mistake when you don't even know how dreadful the seventh elder is."

"Dreadful?" Zhuo Fan frowned.

Xie Tianyang said in a severe tone, "He is greatly admired in Hell Valley, and even Valley Lord You Wanshan consults with him. Or he wouldn't have left such an important city in the seventh elder's charge."

"You're saying he's strong?" Zhuo Fan's brow twitched.

Xie Tianyang shook his head, "Not his strength, but his schemes! He is cunning and deceitful, known as the Insidious Demon. His mind is filled with schemes. Many elders of the seven houses have fallen in his ploys. Even Veiled Dragon Pavilion's Elder Jiu lost his Purple Lightning Gold Eye because of the seventh elder's plot."

"Many hate him to the bone, but even more fear him!"

No wonder Zhuo Fan's plan fell through. [He is another who plays open schemes. This kind of plot is useless against him.]

But the die was cast and Zhuo Fan's only choice was to beat him at his own game!

"Brother Zhuo, our only choice is to leave lady Ning'er behind. With our speed, we may be able to escape the seventh elder's clutches." Xie Tianyang's eyes flashed as he spoke firmly.

Xue Ningxiang shuddered and grabbed Zhuo Fan's arm with a pitiful look, "Brother Zhuo, you promised to get me out."

"Brother Zhuo, this is not the time to be soft. Leave her behind. She will stall the seventh elder while we escape!"Xie Tianyang's mind was set.

Zhuo Fan squinted as he contemplated, then sneered at Xie Tianyang, "Humph, if not for my Energy Concealing Pill, you'd have thrown me away too."

Xie Tianyang's mouth pursed.

Zhuo Fan laughed it off and said, "I won't abandon anyone. As for that elder, I have my way to deal with him. I will fight him right here, with an array!"

Xie Tianyang nodded after a careful ponder. He knew of Zhuo Fan's skills in arrays and was certain that Zhuo Fan was an array grandmaster.

Xue Ningxiang was beaming as she heard him and was swinging Zhuo Fan's arm on and on with a red tint on her cheeks.

But they both failed to notice Zhuo Fan's odd smile at the end...

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Chapter 63, Thunderflame Gale Array

Whoosh!

Beneath the shade of the forest, a gray figure flitted by. The moment a spiritual beast saw him, it would jump on him with greedy eyes.

But the beast would ultimately fall to the ground lifeless with an extra fist imprint on its chest.

The seventh elder's eyes turned darker, but his speed remained the same. Unlike Zhuo Fan, his flight attracted no little amount of trouble.

Yet this only left a trail of 3rd level spiritual beasts corpses behind. He was lucky enough that he did not meet a 4th level spiritual beast, or it would have been a slightly different outcome.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, he landed in an open area. He checked for tracks, making sure nothing escaped his sight.

"He-he-he, three little brats. Want to run?" The seventh elder sneered. He stood upright and scrutinized his surroundings with a cold eye, "Will you come out yourselves, or shall I drag you out?"

His yell bathed the trees in killing intent and scared off nearby spiritual beasts.

"Ha-ha-ha, I see the seventh elder is not without his reputation. No wonder you are called Insidious Demon, finding how many we are just from a few faint signs. I am in awe!"

Zhuo Fan's laughter resounded through the air. The seventh elder frowned and paid closer attention, "Kid, you have just entered the 6th layer of Qi Condensation."

"Good ears!"

The hidden Zhuo Fan felt his heart go cold. This elder was shrewder then he'd thought, a hard opponent, but he still kept his cool.

"Seventh elder must be tired after such a long chase. And fighting here will attract 4th level spiritual beasts. It will be quite an annoyance to you. What if we strike a deal?"

"Which is?" The seventh elder snorted and his cold eyes flitted around the area.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Seventh elder chased us for so long all for the Diamond Sand. If we give you half, are you willing to let us go?"

"You must be joking. The Diamond Sand was mine to begin with. You want to bargain with what you stole from me?" The seventh elder laughed while being shrouded in thick killing intent, "I will not only get my Diamond Sand but wring the life out of you brats!"

Then the elder rushed towards a lush tree. He struck it with his palm and made it explode, to reveal Zhuo Fan sitting on the rock behind it.

"He-he-he, brat, you knew of my sharp hearing yet still talked about conditions with me!"

The seventh elder went for another palm attack, this time targetting Zhuo Fan. But the latter was calm as ever, he even smiled, "He-he-he, I've never been afraid of revealing myself from the start!"

Zhuo Fan's hand shifted and...

Boom!

With a loud noise, from behind Zhuo Fan, a towering flame rose 50 meters high. And with a bird cry, it took the shape of a phoenix.

It spread its wings and launched two fire pillars at seventh elder!

"Array?"

The elder was startled as he didn't foresee the weak brat would know about arrays. From the look of its power, it had to be in 5th-grade.

No longer careless, he struck the pillars with his palms.

Boom!

Raging flames exploded and the elder was thrown back with burned palms.

Looking up, the elder's carefree eyes from before, sported a hint of severity now.

"I took you lightly." The seventh elder squinted, "Never imagining a 6th layer of Qi Condensation youth was a 5th-grade array master. Too bad it won't be enough to beat me!"

The seventh elder soared and made a sign.

A fiendish demonic shadow rose behind him from the twisting black tendrils of energy. Wails echoed around him and made the temperature drop.

Zhuo Fan's eyes squinted and his tone lowered, "Such a malevolent demonic method, is this from Hell Valley's inheritance?"

"He-he-he, why do the dead need to know so much?"

The seventh elder cackled and pointed. The demonic shadow rushed at Zhuo Fan with a shriek. Zhuo Fan responded with a hand sign.

The fire phoenix cried and spat flames.

Bam!

Flames and shadow collided in an anticlimactic way. When the fire touched the demon, hissing was heard as if it was met with ice.

The seventh elder looked proud of this while Zhuo Fan squinted, "Ning'er, now!"

A faint cry echoed and from another side not far from Zhuo Fan, a fierce gale hammered through the woods and exposed Xue Ningxiang sitting on a stone.

At Zhuo Fan's call, she made the hand signs he had taught her.

A chilling wind picked up and flew like a blade as it fused into the fire phoenix's attack.

The fire pillar expanded ten times in a blink and started pushing back the demonic shadow.

The seventh elder's face turned grave and made hand signs to strengthen the demonic shadow.

But with the help of Xue Ningxiang, Zhuo Fan was getting the upper hand and the seventh elder started sweating.

He never saw it coming. Another person was controlling the array!

But before he could think of a countermeasure, Zhuo Fan shouted again.

"Xie Tianyang, he's yours!"

"Ha-ha-ha, I was waiting for this! See how I splatter the brains of a Profound Heaven expert!"

Under Xie Tianyang's incessant cackling, lightning burst and revealed him sitting on the other side of Zhuo Fan and across from Xue Ningxiang.

Xie Tianyang made a hand sign and launched a 50-meter long lightning dragon. With a roar, it flashed right into the demonic shadow.

Boom!

As lightning entered the shadow, it triggered an explosion!

The demonic shadow could not overcome the multiple increases in power and was blown into black pieces, soon becoming nothing but ash.

The seventh elder spatted blood!

This defied all logic. Today, three brats hurt him! But the brats were far from done and battered him with the thunderflame gale again.

If he didn't do something now, he'd be heavenly wounded, he may even die!

The seventh elder braced himself and waved the centipede-like chain that suddenly appeared in his hand.

Boom!

The thunderflame gale attack was blown away as the elder took a few steps back. Zhuo Fan's side also shivered as each of them felt blood stagnating in their chest. It was a tie!

"4th-grade demonic treasure?" Zhuo Fan turned serious.

The seventh elder gasped and barked, "Good, well done. I've traveled the world for so long but today, three brats have reduced me to this state!"

He turned to Zhuo Fan, "I admit you're strong. If we continue, it will end with both sides dead. It's better to take your previous deal. Give me half of Diamond Sand and I will go!"

The three exchanged glances. Xue Ningxiang and Xie Tianyang didn't want to offend Hell Valley and nodded. Zhuo Fan showed an amiable smile, "Alright, let's make the deal!"

He then jumped off the stone. The seventh elder took back his weapon and flew towards Zhuo Fan.

When they were ten meters apart, suddenly both their eyes flashed with murderous intent.

"Die, brat!"

"Finish him!"

Shouting at the same time, the seventh elder revealed his demonic treasure and flung it at Zhuo Fan while the latter made hand signs.

The flames and the centipede chain clashed.

Xie Tianyang and Xue Ningxiang were startled. Even though they missed the first clash, they soon sent lightning and wind blade toward the elder.

The seventh elder couldn't dodge and had to destroy their attacks with his chain once again, but he was also forced to retreat to the skies.

Eyeing Zhuo Fan, the elder's face turned green and white from rage, "Bastard, who would believe you?"

"He-he-he, takes a demonic cultivator to know one!" Zhuo Fan smirked.

Xue Ningxiang and Xie Tianyang witnessed this in a daze.

[Who the hell are they? One is more despicable than the other. None of them is worth trusting.]

Both of them had only one thought since the beginning, kill.

[They're too damn vile, treacherous, insidious...]

[Had one of them trusted the other, then their side would have died by now.]

This thought made the two gasp and their eyes darted at Zhuo Fan. [Thank god we have one just as vile and insidious among us. Or we'd be dead for sure...]

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Chapter 64, Bait

[I need to calm down first.] The seventh elder took a deep breath and inspected the area with wrinkled brows.

He found that the recovery of Diamond Sand was becoming a headache, and when he knew the trio ran into the second area, he confirmed it.

With his experience, he could easily discover their meager cultivation. And with the highest among them being the 7th layer of Bone Tempering Stage, it was no different than squeezing three insects.

What was unbelievable though, one of them had a deep knowledge of arrays along with a cunning mind, unlike a rash and ignorant youth he posed to be.

This led to the current predicament. With the three working together to control the array, he would never get the upper hand.

However, he thought of something and his hawk-eyes flashed sinisterly.

"You are Xue clan's third young miss!"

The seventh elder ignored Zhuo Fan and switched targets, sizing Xue Ningxiang with a smile, "I remember seeing you five years ago. You were just a child back then. My, how you've grown into a fine lady."

Xue Ningxiang's heart seized and lowered her head to avoid his piercing gaze.

Zhuo Fan shouted, "Seventh elder, if you have something to say, say it to my face. Don't go around scaring girls!"

Yet the seventh elder's eyes never left Xue Ningxiang, "Ning'er, why do you bother going against me? Xue clan is a vassal of Hell Valley. We always took care of your Xue clan. And yet here you are, resorting to this..."

His eyes flashed with murder as he spoke. Xue Ningxiang shivered and could no longer keep the hand sign up.

Zhuo Fan knew that the seventh elder was threatening Xue Ningxiang and rushed to say, "Attack!"

He and Xie Tianyang synced their hand signs, launching lightning and fire at the seventh elder. But Xue Ningxiang was still in a daze, her hands trembling.

Xie Tianyang thought, [Damn, Xue Ningxiang is worried for her clan and has no will to fight. Without the wind's help, there'll be a sharp decline in power.]

The seventh elder was fighting a psychological battle, grasping the trio's weakness.

Fire and lightning combined as it neared the elder, but his centipede chain just flew at it and the attack was nulled. The seventh elder stood still in the sky while Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang spat blood!

"Ha-ha-ha, that's better!"

The seventh elder cackled, "Ning'er, you made the right choice. These brats will wash their hands over this and leave from here, while your clan will stay forever."

Zhuo Fan looked at the shivering Xue Ningxiang and urged, "Ning'er, don't listen to the old goat. He knows who you are and will destroy your clan either way. The only way to save the Xue clan is to kill him here and now. Remember my words, the Thunderflame Gale Array needs three people to work together and as long as the three are in sync, not even a Profound Heaven expert can escape!"

Another shiver wreaked Xue Ningxiang's frail body and now she stood still. The seventh elder's words scared her but she had finally recovered.

Zhuo Fan smirked and shouted, "If this old coot lives, your clan is no more!"

Boom!

His words echoed in her ears and Xue Ningxiang rose her head to show killing intent for the first time as she muttered non stop, "He can't leave. He has to die, he must...

"DIE!"

Xue Ningxiang roared the last word and completed the hand sign.

A green panther roared behind her and sped towards the seventh elder, ten times stronger than before.

The elder panicked, noticing the true power of the array in Xue Ningxiang's hands. [From the start, the two brats used all they had in fighting me, yet she hadn't?]

Xue Ningxiang was a kind and gentle soul, not willing to kill even her enemy. But the seventh elder's words struck a chord in her frail heart that she was close to losing her will for fighting.

It was then that Zhuo Fan woke her up and lit a fire in her. The dissonance in her heart led to unleashing her full power.

To protect her clan, Xue Ningxiang turned cold and unfeeling like a reaper. She was willing to do anything and everything to make sure the old geezer died here.

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang smiled and launched their own attacks. Fire, wind, and lightning combined at their strongest into an overpowering strike that threatened to consume the seventh elder.

Even the calm and collected seventh elder was starting to feel fear. He hastily lifted the centipede chain and lashed.

Boom!

A huge explosion shook the entire second area and even the sky seemed to collapse. Some 4th level spiritual beasts even fled.

The seventh elder, who was caught in the middle, was blasted a dozen meters with his hair and beard singed as he spat blood. But this time, the blood evaporated before it touched the ground.

It was proof of the intensity of the attack that pierced his inner organs. With such a heavy wound, just one more and he'd be done for!

For the first time, the seventh elder panted with fear in his eyes. Not even he could foresee that the array needed just the girl to flip out for unleashing its full power.

But he understood that he would not be able to take more of such attacks.

"He's on his last leg. Ning'er, Xie Tianyang, get ready. We'll finish him off." Zhuo Fan laughed as he made another hand sign.

But a sudden green panther beat him and Xie Tianyang to the punch.

All Zhuo Fan saw was Xue Ningxiang going crazy and making signs on and on as she raved, "He has to die, he must die..."

[Damn, this girl has lost it. I managed to spur her on, but now she is too far gone. Her only thought is to kill the old goat, even disregarding cooperation with her allies.]

Her action was limiting the array's power!

The seventh elder noticed this weakness and smiled as he charged for Xue Ningxiang! He was only facing a wind panther, and without the other two elements, he could breeze through it. With a swing of the centipede chain, the panther was no more.

"Quickly help Ning'er!"

Zhuo Fan panicked as he formed hand signs alongside Xie Tianyang. Once again lightning and fire came at the seventh elder.

Yet such lack of cooperation lost the array's advantage and the seventh elder dealt with it easily. He flung the centipede chain, removing this nuisance and appeared before Xue Ningxiang.

But she sank in, making hand signs.

The seventh elder snorted and clutched her neck, lifting her off the ground. Xue Ningxiang began suffocating and her hands slowed down.

"Crazy girl, you almost had me killed! Consider yourself lucky since you still have some use, or I'd have killed you already."

"Ning'er!"

Zhuo Fan and Xie Tianyang stood up with worry. The seventh elder mocked them, "What are you brats called anyway? Sit tight, I will deal with you in a moment!"

Zhuo Fan clenched his fists.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Xue Ningxiang coughed, looking at Zhuo Fan with pleading eyes, "Kill him, don't let him harm my father..."

"He-he-he, what a carrying daughter. You're still thinking about your father? Too bad these two brats have no way of killing me. Once I get back, I'll make sure to wipe the Xue clan for good!"

Tears glistened down Xue Ningxiang's cheeks.

Xie Tianyang's heart hurt and roared in anger, "Hell Valley elder, does one of your stature even know what shame is to raise your hand on a defenseless girl?"

"He-he-he, there's no such thing as shame in a demonic cultivator's vocabulary." The seventh elder cackled and turned to Zhuo Fan, "Brat, you're just like this old man, stirring this girl's will to fight with a few words. I would've taken you as my disciple if not for us being enemies!"

"You hurt my friend, so you must die by my hands!" Zhuo Fan's tone was irreproachable, "Xie Tianyang, get ready to strike!"

"But Ning'er..."

"Ning'er... also agreed..." Zhuo Fan's eyes flashed with a hard look. Xie Tianyang felt cold as he looked at Zhuo Fan, then saw the pleading eyes of Xue Ningxiang and sighed.

[This old man must die, or he will slaughter the Xue clan and Ning'er won't ever find peace, even in death.]

Xie Tianyang then yelled as he made hand signs.

The lightning dragon roared as it encroached on the seventh elder. Zhuo Fan, with his red eyes, also shouted and the phoenix behind him spread its wings.

This was the strongest power they managed to unleash through their cooperation.

But to all this, the seventh elder's answer was disdain, "Humph, I have already figured out this array. Without wind, just you two are nothing!"

Xie Tianyang gnashed his teeth. [Would our full power attack amount to nothing? Would we meet our end at his hands?]

[Furthermore, Ning'er's clan would be doomed.]

But Zhuo Fan revealed an evil grin, "Who said we lacked wind?"

His hands shifted through the signs and the seventh elder was swallowed by a tornado, turning his immediate surrounding into a wind prison.

Then came the lightning dragon and fire phoenix.

Boom!

Fire and lightning mixed, erupting in a spectacular fashion on contact with the tornado, burning everything within into nothing. This display of power was twice as strong as their best attack.

[This time the elder should be dead.]

Xie Tianyang watched it all at a loss, "H-how... w-what..."

"How the wind appeared?"

Zhuo Fan smiled, unlike someone who just lost a friend, "I told you before that I can't control the 5th-grade array by myself and need all three of us to work together, right? Well, I lied. That seventh elder would've seen through you and I couldn't have deceived him in the end."

"What, all... was a lie..." Xie Tianyang stammered.

Zhuo Fan smiled, "Insidious Demon is beyond sharp, he is Hell Valley's sage. If I fight him alone, defeat is certain. So I arranged for you two to work with me in controlling the array and help conserve power. But this wasn't without its weakness. Us three had to be in full cooperation to unleash its greatest power."

"Him being the Insidious Demon, he would find this out with ease and would target the weakest among us. It's clear Ning'er is that person and he would attack her. But he would have never guessed Ning'er was the bait I laid out for him. So, he fell right into my trap!"

"Y-you're saying that you had planned on giving up on Ning'er from the start?" Xie Tianyang gasped. Zhuo Fan felt like a stranger to him.

He still recalled how Zhuo Fan yelled at Ning'er, "I won't leave anyone behind!" his eyes filled with righteousness. [Was it all an act?]

"What's with that look?" Zhuo Fan sneered, "Didn't you say to leave Ning'er behind and flee, that she was a burden? I only thought of a more appropriate use of this burden!"

"What of your promise to her?" Xie Tianyang swallowed dryly, "I heard you promised Ning'er to take her outside the city!"

Zhuo Fan waved it off, "The result's the same, be it living or otherwise..."

Seeing Zhuo Fan's casual manner, Xie Tianyang felt numb and a chill crawled up his spine.

After working together for over a month, he had thought that he somewhat understood Zhuo Fan's character. But now it felt like he was talking to a stranger!

Such sheer cruelty made him, a 7th layer of Bone Tempering expert, feel more fear than facing a Radiant Stage expert.

But laughter came from amidst the thunderflame gale prison...

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